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Remote sensing of freshwater aquatic macrophytes in a southeastern lake: Part 1, Analysis of 30 years of vertical aerial photography

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10129681
 [1];  [2]
  1. South Carolina Univ., Columbia, SC (United States). Dept. of Geography
  2. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
This paper summarizes the alternatives for conducting aquatic macrophyte mapping using in situ and remote sensing technologies, and then focuses on estimation of historical changes in persistent and non-persistent macrophyte beds in a large cooling lake in South Carolina from 1958 to 1990. Based on analysis of the historical aerial photography, rapid growth of the persistent beds of macrophytes along the shoreline did not begin until the early to mid-1970s and essentially stabilized by the late 1970s or early 1980s. Extensive growth of the non-persistent macrophytes began a few years after the persistent beds and, likewise, stabilized by the early 1980s. Comparisons of in situ and aerial photographic measurements indicate that large-scale, aerial photography can be used to accurately monitor lacustrine wetlands. Multidate photography is required if the lake is not successionally stable and if persistent and nonpersistent macrophyte beds occur, leading to large seasonal changes.
Research Organization:
Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-89SR18035
OSTI ID:
10129681
Report Number(s):
WSRC-MS--91-102; CONF-9103172--3; ON: DE92009592
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English