Multispectral remote sensing of turbidity among Nebraska Sand Hills lakes

This study shows robust correlation of multispectral reflectance data (from Landsat Thematic Mapper) with turbidity among 21 lakes in Nebraska, USA, sampled in June, 1994. Mean lake reflectance percentages ranged from 5-12 (TM1), 4-18 (TM2), 2-12 (TM3) and 1-5 (TM4). Turbidity ranged from 2.7-82.3 nephelometric turbidity units. Correlations were highly significant (r greater than or equal to 0.68; P<0.001) between each of the TM bands and turbidity. Linear models were useful for measurement among lakes in the region, despite potential bottom effects or variation in turbidity components due to a range of water quality.