Title

Inherent and Apparent Optical Property Observations and Trends in Western Lake Erie for 2015

Document Type

Conference Paper/Presentation

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

Weekly measurements of inherent and apparent optical properties (IOP/AOP) were made by NOAA/GLERL and MTRI at sites in western Lake Erie from May through October in 2015. Water column IOP measurements of absorption and scattering were made using a WETLabs AC-S and BB-9 respectively. A Satlantic hyperspectral profiling radiometer was also deployed to measure water column reflectance and attenuation (AOPs). Hyperspectral surface reflectance was also measured with a Satlantic Hypergun. Coincident water samples were collected and analyzed for concentrations of chlorophyll, phycocyanin, TSS, and CDOM absorption. These suites of measurements are invaluable for the calibration and validation of remote sensing water quality algorithms. The objective of collecting these time-series observations is to document the spatio-temporal variations in IOP/AOPs primarily due to prolific blooms of harmful cyanobacteria (cyanoHABs) in Lake Erie. Significant differences in absorption spectra were observed spatially and temporally throughout the observation period. These observed differences are attributed to fluctuations in cyanoHAB extent and concentration but also from the periodic occurrence of large sediment plumes from the Maumee River. The IOP/AOP measurements were used to evaluate current remote sensing water quality algorithms.

Publisher's Statement

© 2016 International Association for Great Lakes Research. Publisher's version of record: http://iaglr.org/conference/downloads/2016_abstracts.pdf

Publication Title

IAGLR 59th Annual Conference

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