Tomlinson, M. C., CCMA/NOAA, SIlver Spring, MD, USA, Michelle.Tomlinson@noaa.gov
Wynne, T. T., IMSG, Silver Spring, MD, USA, Timothy.Wynne@noaa.gov
Stumpf, R. P., CCMA/NOAA, Silver Spring, MD, USA, Richard.Stumpf@noaa.gov
Schwab, D. ., GLERL/NOAA, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, David.Schwab@noaa.gov
Stumbaugh, M. ., ORR/NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA, Matt.Stumbaugh@noaa.gov

EFFORTS TOWARD FORECASTING HARMFUL MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA BLOOMS IN WESTERN LAKE ERIE

The toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, has become a dominant component of the summer phytoplankton assemblage in the Great Lakes. Regional blooms have caused concern due to the use of these waters for recreation and as a source of drinking water. Research efforts are now underway to develop the capability to detect and monitor M. aeruginosa blooms in western Lake Erie. M. aeruginosa blooms have unique optical properties, due to the production of surface scum and the presence of phycocyanin, an accessory pigment. MERIS, a European ocean color satellite, has increased spectral resolution relative to MODIS and SeaWiFS, which aids in differentiating cyanobacteria from other phytoplankton. Various satellite derived products that have shown promise in detection are being combined through a rule-based model in an attempt to distinguish M. aeruginosa blooms from other non-harmful blooms. In addition, a hydrodynamic model has been developed for Lake Erie. These tools will be combined through the General NOAA Operational Modeling Environment to determine the usefulness of these models for monitoring M. aeruginosa in the western Lake Erie, through a retrospective case study.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30