Application of remote-sensing techniques to the study of seasonal snow cover

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Abstract
This paper discusses the measurement of important snow properties using electromagnetic radiation. Snow areal extent can be measured using manual, optical, electronic, or digital techniques from data supplied by visible and near-visible light sensors carried on Earth resources and meteorological satellites, but these techniques cannot routinely detect snow under clouds or a forest canopy. Gamma-ray techniques used at stations or from low-flying aircraft permit measurement of water equivalent of snow (depth times density). Active or passive microwave systems may permit this to be done over larger areas, but the physics of this possible technique is not yet sufficiently understood. Wetness or temperature, of a snow surface is measurable with thermal infrared radiometers; wetness throughout a snow pack may be measurable with microwave radiometers. Much research needs to be done on the electrical (including scattering) properties of snow before efficient, all-weather, remote-sensing systems can be designed.