Real-time spatial-temporal assessments of Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)

For over a decade, Georgica Pond (Figure 1.1) has suffered from toxic cyanobacteria blooms, or blue-green algae, during the summer months. In 2012, a dog died after exposure to the pond water. A necropsy revealed high levels of cyanotoxins in the dog's stomach that led to neurotoxic shock and eventual death. Testing in the summers thereafter revealed high levels toxic algae leading local government officials to close the pond to shell fishing and recreation. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) such as cyanobacteria can thrive in warm, nutrient rich waters. These closures have had negative impacts on many including summer visitors and local residents, who consider the pond an integral feature of their community. This module covers the fundamentals of remote sensing for water quality monitoring, in addition to high frequency buoy data for assessing chlorophyll a levels. Students will learn key concepts, data analysis techniques, and practical applications to assess water quality of a coastal lake in East Hampton, NY.