Lake Chaohu has drawn increasing attention due to the occurrence of massive algal blooms. This study applied daily monitoring results from moderate-resolution imaging spectrum-radiometer (MODIS) satellite to extract algal blooms with a floating algal index algorithm and characterize surface floating algal bloom dynamics in 2016 with an algae pixel-growing algorithm. Combining water quality and meteorological data, environmental driving forces of algal blooms in 2016 were explored. The results showed that cyanobacterial blooms occurred throughout the lake from May to November, which is the same as in previous years. Compared with previous years, the initial bloom date was postponed to May, the duration was reduced to 204 days, and the average floating algal bloom area was reduced to 85.53 km2. By investigating the environmental driving forces affecting the algal bloom, it was found that a larger wind speed (△W=0.1 m·s-1), more precipitation (△P=0.8 mm), and a lower sunshine duration (△S=-1.3 h) in spring were the main reasons. When the temperature was suitable, precipitation was the main driving force affecting the monthly variation in algal blooms. The daily average wind speed was also negatively correlated with the algal bloom area (P<0.05). High wind speed can affect the area of algal blooms as well. These results will aid understanding of the situation of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Chaohu and provide a theoretical basis for dealing with algal blooming and climate change.
Keywords: Lake Chaohu; environmental drivers; floating algal blooms; meteorological factors; spatial and temporal dynamics.