The Effects that Climate Change and Climate Variations have on Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Appalachian Valley

Abstract

This study focused on the potential effects that climate change and other climate variables may have on the expression and frequency of potential harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Great Appalachian Valley region. Aerial imagery of 500 lakes were analyzed over 20 years to study these potential effects. On average, potential HAB expression frequency appears to be decreasing over time as annual average temperature and precipitation have been steadily increasing across all four study sites. As the intensity and frequency of storm events increases, the rate of potential HAB expression frequency decreases. Additionally, it appears that as the number of days below freezing increases, HAB expression frequency also decreases. Although there is a correlation between climate and potential HAB expression frequency, due to the limitations of this study, additional research will be needed to determine the exact causes of potential HAB expression.