Distribution and incidence of algal blooms in Lake Taihu

Harmful algal blooms depend on several factors linked to climate and catchment conditions. Blooms can show significant daily, monthly, seasonal, inter-annual variability as well as horizontal variation in a lake. In the present study, we use satellite data to explore the sensitivity of different sections of a large eutrophic lake (Lake Taihu) to climate and catchment-related drivers. Bloom coverage in the larger open areas of the lake, historically less eutrophic, has increased over the last 12 years even though extensive efforts were made to improve catchment conditions. Decadal trends in these lake sections were more sensitive to climate conditions and nutrient concentrations compared with the more enclosed eutrophic bays. Bloom coverage was bimodal during the year, with regional differences occurring during the second maximum. Links between climate variability, nutrients, and bloom coverage suggest that major bloom events are likely to continue to occur.