MSU Researchers Study the Effects of Climate Change on US Lakes

Michigan State University (MSU) researchers have studied the effects of climate change on algal blooms in U.S. lakes, using open-access data and satellite imagery to track algal biomass levels over the past 34 years. Their findings suggest that while climate change is a significant driver of algal blooms, the relationship is more complex than previously thought. Human activities, such as agriculture and urban runoff, which contribute excess nutrients to lakes, also play a key role.

The researchers analyzed data from over 24,000 lakes and found that climate change caused changes in algal biomass in about a third of these lakes, but these changes were often abrupt and temporary rather than gradual or predictable. In some cases, these changes were linked to “regime shifts,” or sudden changes in ecosystem structure. The study also found that lakes with lower human impact were more likely to experience climate-related algal changes, while those with more human disturbance, like nutrient pollution, were less affected by climate.

The research highlights the need to consider both climate and human impacts in managing lake health, offering insights into how climate and human activities interact to affect freshwater ecosystems.

You can read the full article on MSU Today.

Photo Credit: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC