A Comparison between Snow Cover Products Derived from Visible and Microwave Satellite Observation
- 1 February 1996
- journal article
- Published by American Meteorological Society in Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology
- Vol. 35 (2) , 163-177
- https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1996)035<0163:acbscp>2.0.co;2
Abstract
A comparison between two satellite-derived snow cover products demonstrates the strengths and weakness of each procedure. The current NESDIS operational product is subjectively derived from visible satellite imagery. The analysis is performed once a week, using the most recent clear view of the surface. The experimental product is objectively derived from daily microwave measurements observed by polar-orbiting satellites. The operational product uses a high albedo in the visible spectrum to identify snow cover, whereas the experimental product uses a high albedo in the visible spectrum to identify snow cover, whereas the experimental product uses a passive microwave scattering signature. Comparisons between the operational and experimental product show good agreement in the extent and distribution of snow cover during the middle of the winter and summer seasons. However, the agreement weakness in the transition seasons and along the southern edge of the snowpack. The analysis suggests that the op... Abstract A comparison between two satellite-derived snow cover products demonstrates the strengths and weakness of each procedure. The current NESDIS operational product is subjectively derived from visible satellite imagery. The analysis is performed once a week, using the most recent clear view of the surface. The experimental product is objectively derived from daily microwave measurements observed by polar-orbiting satellites. The operational product uses a high albedo in the visible spectrum to identify snow cover, whereas the experimental product uses a high albedo in the visible spectrum to identify snow cover, whereas the experimental product uses a passive microwave scattering signature. Comparisons between the operational and experimental product show good agreement in the extent and distribution of snow cover during the middle of the winter and summer seasons. However, the agreement weakness in the transition seasons and along the southern edge of the snowpack. The analysis suggests that the op...Keywords
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