Landsat Images Reveal a History of Algal Blooms on Utah Lake

Shanae Tate

Shanae Tate Brigham Young University
Neil Hansen Brigham Young University
Mark Jackson Brigham Young University
Carly Hansen University of Utah

14F

Rapid growth of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Utah Lake has been a recent cause of concern due to the production of toxins that are harmful to human health.  Although recently given increased media coverage, Utah Lake’s algal blooms are not new.  These algae blooms have been around for decades.  Satellite images from Landsat 1 document algae outbreaks as early as 1972.  Since then, the Landsat program has become the longest, continuous collection of remotely-sensed space-based data in the world.  This study uses the Landsat archive to identify and quantify the spatial distribution of algal blooms on Utah Lake over the last 4.5 decades.  The aim of this study is to determine how these algae blooms relate to increased urbanization and variable water levels in Utah Valley.  The historical analysis can be used to improve prediction of future blooms and management approaches to limit them.

14:30 Landsat Images Reveal a History of Algal Blooms on Utah Lake, Shanae Tate

January 29 @ 14:30
14:30 — 14:45 (15′)

Granite ABC

Shanae Tate

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