Long-term remote monitoring of total suspended matter concentration in Lake Taihu using 250Â m MODIS-Aqua data

- An empirical model for estimating TSM was developed and validated for Lake Taihu.
- There were noticeable spatiotemporal variations in the TSM of Lake Taihu.
- Topography, SAV, and river discharge were responsible for TSM change.

We have developed and validated a robust empirical model for estimating the concentrations of total suspended matter (TSM) in Lake Taihu (China), a large turbid inland water body. This model was generated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS-Aqua) medium-resolution (250 m) data gathered from 2003 to 2013 and in situ data collected from a number of cruise surveys. A strong significant correlate relationship between the in situ TSM data and the atmospherically corrected MODIS-Aqua remote sensing reflectance at the 645 nm band (Rrs(645)) was found (R2 = 0.70, p < 0.001, n = 150). From these data, a local TSM model was developed for Lake Taihu. Long-term TSM distribution maps retrieved from the MODIS-Aqua data demonstrated marked temporal and spatial variations. Temporally, significant lower TSM was found in summer and autumn than in winter and spring (p < 0.005, t-test). The significant seasonal variability could be attributed to sediment resuspension due to changes in the wind speed between different seasons. Lake Taihu also experiences large inter-annual variations that are primarily caused by changes in wind force over the region. In particular, the TSM in Lake Taihu from 2006 to 2008 was relatively lower than in other years, which could be explained by the lower mean wind speed during these years compared to the other years. Spatially, the TSM in the Open area, especially in the southern part of this region, was consistently higher than in other sub-regions of Lake Taihu. The coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) generally characterized East Lake Taihu as a region with a relatively lower TSM. Lake topographic conditions, SAV, and runoff discharge jointly contributed to the spatial variations in TSM.