The MERIS MCI and its potential for satellite detection of winter diatom blooms on partially ice-covered Lake Erie

Abstract

Recent observations have confirmed the presence of dense accumulations of the diatom Aulacoseira islandica within surface lake ice on Lake Erie. MERIS (Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer) full-resolution satellite imagery is shown to clearly distinguish the optical signature of these phytoplankton blooms. The MERIS Level 1 maximum chlorophyll index is applied to Lake Erie under winter, partially (>50) ice-covered conditions, demonstrating for the first time the potential for satellite detection of blooms within, or surrounding, surface lake ice. © Crown copyright 20122012 © © Crown copyright 2012.