Using remotely sensed suspended sediment concentration variation to improve management of Poyang Lake, China

Abstract This study applied Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images from 2000 to 2010 to obtain and analyze the spatiotemporal variation of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and discussed factors affecting it in Poyang Lake, China. Results showed that (1) the mean SSC was lower in the south, higher in the north, and moderate in the central lake region; (2) the mean SSC in the south was lower than or close to 20 mg/L, with no clear annual trend; (3) the mean SSC in the north was slightly higher than 20 mg/L in 2000 and increased from 2001, with the highest value >60 mg/L in 2006; (4) the mean SSC in the central lake region, except for 2009, ranged from 20 to 40 mg/L and had an annual pattern similar to that in the southern lake region; (5) for the entire lake, the mean SSC declined from January to March, increased from September to December, and fluctuated from April to August; and (6) several higher SSC values were found in the central or southern lake regions. The spatiotemporal...