Satellite Derived Snow Cover In Climate Diagnostics Studies

Chester F. Ropelewski

doi:10.1117/12.943092

1 August 1984 Satellite Derived Snow Cover In Climate Diagnostics Studies

Chester F. Ropelewski

Proceedings Volume 0481, Recent Advances in Civil Space Remote Sensing; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.943092
Event: 1984 Technical Symposium East, 1984, Arlington, United States

Abstract

While we do not have detailed understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between snow cover and the atmosphere, it is clear from even simple energy balance models and preliminary observational studies l that snow area is potentially a very important climatic variable. The areal distribution of snow is central in determining the global albedo as well as prescribing the surface boundary` temperature, moisture, and to some extent, the low level atmospheric static stability. Late season (i.e., spring) snow cover has been related to soil moisture which is in itself an important component of the climate system. While several climatic variables are adequately sampled through a network of surface observation stations, other variables, among them the snow cover, can only be sufficiently monitored by satellite. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been analyzing satellite imagery on a weekly basis for operational estimates of snow cover for over fifteen years. This paper presents a synopses of recent climate research and climate diagnostics studies using these data at the National Weather Service's Climate Analysis Center. Currently available satellite products are evaluated in the light of these studies and a set of desired characteristics for future satellite products are presented.

Citation Download Citation

Chester F. Ropelewski "Satellite Derived Snow Cover In Climate Diagnostics Studies", Proc. SPIE 0481, Recent Advances in Civil Space Remote Sensing, (1 August 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.943092

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available