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algae bloom in Lake Erie
green algae bloom in Lake Erie
algae bloom in Lake Erie

HSI-HABS

Hyperspectral Imaging of Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Lake Erie can grow rapidly in the warm summer months and can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Remote sensing is a useful process for detecting and monitoring HAB areas of concern so that people, especially water treatment operators can take corrective action to mitigate the effects of HABs on those that use the water. Hyperspectral imaging, using many wavelengths of light, is useful for distinguishing HABs from other algal bloom types.

Data Centers

OB.DAAC

The Hyperspectral Imaging of Harmful Algal Blooms in Lake Erie (HSI-HABS) project collected visible to near-infrared hyperspectral data with a custom-made hyperspectral imager (HSI) aboard aircraft at NASA's Glenn Research Center (GRC). Data was processed to a georeferenced spectral irradiance in units W/(m2∙sr∙nm).

The spectral resolution has been resampled to 400-900 nm at 10 nm steps. The ground resolution while aircraft altitude dependent was typically 1 m per pixel.

Ground in-situ sampling data was collected from external research partners from Kent State University, University of Toledo, University of Cincinnati, Michigan Tech Research Institute, Bowling Green State University, and others. Radiometer data includes solar irradiance, ground/water radiance, and calibrated target radiance. Additionally, water samples were taken at specific waypoints and analyzed in the laboratory.

GRC Aircraft remote sensing data is readily available for western Lake Erie from 2015 to 2019. Access the HSI-HABS-RAW directory.

Composite HSI flight runs overlayed on mapping software.

Composite HSI flight runs overlayed on mapping software. Red in the water signifies high bloom intensity. Credit: OB.DAAC