Lake surface water temperature (LSWT) for large sub alpine lakes from satellite sensor derived surface temperature

Satellite imagery is the most suitable tool for researchers around the globe in complementing in-situ observations. Nonetheless, it would be crucial to check for quality, validate and standardize methodologies to estimate the target variables from sensor data. In this study we implemented an approach for estimating surface temperature for large lakes using MODIS temperature products. A preliminary analysis using reconstructed temperatures from MODIS versus field data of Lake Garda over a period of 10 years showed a good linear relation and a promising temporal dataset otherwise impossible to obtain. The MODIS data are reconstructed to a 250 m, 4 daily observations using a newly developed algorithm. This study demonstrates that the developed reconstruction algorithm can be profitably used for inland water bodies and allows gathering a daily temporal and spatially continuous Lake Surface Water Temperature (LSWT) database. The approach allows reproducibility in other large lakes and provides a basis for studying climate change impacts on the thermal structure of water bodies and development of nuisance cyanobacteria.