Remotely-sensed water quality of Michigan Lakes: Analysis of lake water clarity and algal biomass using Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 satellite imagery

Using recently developed state-of-the-art remote sensing techniques calibrated and validated with available water quality monitoring data from routine sampling and citizen monitoring, lake water quality will be predicted for all Michigan lakes greater than 20 acres in surface area. Since we are using atmospherically corrected imagery, we expect that the regression models developed in Minnesota will also work well in Michigan. This assumption will be validated by linking all available clear imagery to available water quality data (water clarity, chlorophyll, and color) and if necessary new models will be developed and applied to all available clear Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 imagery. Resulting pixel and lake level water quality products will be incorporated by USGS into a data dashboard with enhanced communication attributes common to an ArcGIS Experience Builder application. The Experience Builder application will provide MI EGLE staff with the desired communication tool necessary to enhance and sustain management of lake water quality in Michigan.