Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-20-2019
Department
Michigan Tech Research Institute
Abstract
Remote sensing has provided expanded temporal and spatial range to the study of harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in western Lake Erie, allowing for a greater understanding of bloom dynamics than is possible through in situ sampling. However, satellites are limited in their ability to specifically target cyanobacteria and can only observe the water within the first optical depth. This limits the ability of remote sensing to make conclusions about full water column cyanoHAB biomass if cyanobacteria are vertically stratified. FluoroProbe data were collected at nine stations across western Lake Erie in 2015 and 2016 and analyzed to characterize spatio-temporal variability in cyanobacteria vertical structure. Cyanobacteria were generally homogenously distributed during the growing season except under certain conditions. As water depth increased and high surface layer concentrations were observed, cyanobacteria were found to be more vertically stratified and the assumption of homogeneity was less supported. Cyanobacteria vertical distribution was related to wind speed and wave height, with increased stratification at low wind speeds (bathymetry and environmental conditions could lead to improved biomass estimates. Additionally, cyanobacteria contributions to total chlorophyll-a were shown to change throughout the season and across depth, suggesting the need for remote sensing algorithms to specifically identify cyanobacteria.
Publication Title
Journal of Great Lakes Research
Recommended Citation
Bosse, K.,
Sayers, M.,
Shuchman, R.,
Fahnenstiel, G. L.,
Ruberg, S. A.,
Fanslow, D. L.,
Stuart, D. G.,
Johengen, T. H.,
&
Burtner, A. M.
(2019).
Spatial-temporal variability of in situ cyanobacteria vertical structure in Western Lake Erie: Implications for remote sensing observations.
Journal of Great Lakes Research,
45(3), 480-489.
http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2019.02.003
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/641
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Version
Publisher's PDF
Included in
Bacteria Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, Remote Sensing Commons, Spatial Science Commons
Publisher's Statement
© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of International Association for Great Lakes Research. Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2019.02.003