Development of an empirical model for chlorophyll-a and Secchi Disk Depth estimation for a Pampean shallow lake (Argentina)

Abstract

Shallow Pampean lakes are located in the most productive plain of Argentina. They are highly variable in salinity, turbidity and surface area. Laguna Chascomús has been monitored as a representative example of them. We developed a linear model based on satellite images validated against field measurements (2001–2011 period). A vegetation index and Landsat Surface Reflectance (Band 4) produced the best correlations with chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Secchi Disk Depth (SDD), respectively. In a second instance, a retrospective analysis (1986–2013) was performed. As a result, significant positive trends were observed for SDD and Chl-a. In addition, both variables displayed trends related to rainfall and site depth. Keywords: Chlorophyll-a, Turbidity, Remote sensing