Distinguishing and mapping of aquatic vegetations and yellow algae bloom with Landsat satellite data in a complex shallow Lake, China during 1986–2018

•The spectral characteristics of aquatic vegetations and yellow algae were analyzed.•Several spectral indices were proposed to distinguish aquatic vegetations and yellow algae.•Seasonal and inter annual dynamics of aquatic vegetations and yellow algae were investigated.•The responses of aquatic vegetations and yellow algae to air temperature were discussed.•The MAI concept is considered to be extendable and applicable.