Reconstruction of Flooding Patterns in Endorheic Lagoons of Semi-Arid Zones Using Satellite Imagery, Historical Data, and Water Balance Models: A Case Study from the LIFE IP Duero Project

This study reconstructs the historical flooding dynamics of three endorheic lagoons—Laguna Redonda, Lavajares, and El Oso—located in the semi-arid interior of the Iberian Peninsula, within the framework of the LIFE Integrated Project (LIFE IP) Duero. These ephemeral wetlands are highly sensitive to climatic variability and anthropogenic pressure, making them critical indicators of hydrological and ecological change. The methodological approach integrates multi-temporal satellite imagery analysis (Sentinel-2), historical records (aerial photographs, local hydrometeorological data), and simplified water balance models to reconstruct spatial and temporal flooding patterns from 2015 to the present.

The results reveal marked interannual variability in the extent and duration of inundation, with strong correlations to seasonal precipitation, groundwater levels, and land-use changes in the surrounding catchments. Periods of prolonged drought significantly reduced the hydroperiods and surface-water extents, particularly during the early 2000s, while recent years show partial recovery linked to hydrological management actions promoted by the LIFE IP Duero project. The analysis highlights the critical role of shallow groundwater contributions and surface runoff in maintaining lagoon inundation cycles, especially under current and projected climate stressors.

This work provides valuable baseline information for adaptive wetland management and supports the development of nature-based solutions for climate resilience in vulnerable endorheic systems. The integrative methodology applied here offers a transferable model for assessing hydrological dynamics in similar Mediterranean-climate contexts.