Snow mapping with active microwave sensors

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Abstract
Hydrological interest in mapping snow concentrates on the phase of snow depletion when at least part of the snow cover is wet. In this situation, snow has a very low backscatter coefficient, smaller than almost any land surface at X-band. Together with the independence of cloud cover and time, this unique signature of snow enables frequent and regular mapping of snow even in rugged terrain. First results from a synthetic aperture radar experiment made during the melting season—even under unfavourable conditions—clearly indicate this potential. The backscatter data used in this work are based on four seasons of scatterometer-measurements made on the alpine test site Weissfluhjoch, Davos, and on a comparison with additional backscatter data from groups in Europe and the U.S.A

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