KU- and X-band backscatter analysis and SWE retrieval for Alpine snow

Abstract

Spatial and temporal characteristics of Ku-and X-band backscatter signatures of Alpine snow are discussed and related to in situ snow observations. The radar data have been acquired with the airborne SnowSAR sensor over three test sites in the Austrian Alps during the AlpSAR campaign in winter 2012/13. An example for inversion of backscatter images in terms of sow water equivalent (SWE) is presented. The backscatter signatures of three test sites in different elevation zones show significant differences in terms of mean values and temporal trends during the winter season. These variations can be attributed to snow structure and to properties of the medium below the snow pack.

Mapping snow depth in open alpine terrain from stereo satellite imagery

“…Another limitation is the SWE threshold, which impedes SWE retrieval for deep snowpacks (Dozier et al, 2016; > 0.15 m-0.20 m w.eq.). Several attempts have been made to retrieve spatially distributed HS or SWE data from space by radar imagery (Papa et al, 2002;Leinss et al, 2014;Rott et al, 2014;Dedieu et al, 2014). However, the optimal frequency channels (Ku, Ka) are still absent from current SAR satellites.…”

Evaluation of single-band snow-patch mapping using high-resolution microwave remote sensing: an application in the maritime Antarctic

“…Snow densities agree with the relatively mild climate of the region, with high values ranging from 470 to 600 kg m −3 , close to the typical late melting season 350 to 550 kg m −3 indicated by Dewalle and Rango (2008). X-band radar backscatter is essentially influenced by the characteristics of the upper 15 cm of the snow pack (Rees, 2006;Rott et al, 2013). Near the surface, most of the snow patches showed a lack of ice layers, coarse-grained snow and high densities, ranging from 470 to 600 kg m −3 .…”

“…In fact, according to some authors, X-band imagery is preferable to detect wet snow (Shi and Dozier, 1995;Strozzi et al, 1998Strozzi et al, , 1999. It shows a limited penetration capacity in snow and is much more sensitive than other bands to the surficial snow pack (0 to 15 cm), enabling an evaluation of the snow electromagnetic response in a simplified scheme when comparing it with C band (Wiesmann and Mätzler, 1999;Rott et al, 2013).…”

Télédétection satellitaire des surfaces enneigées et englacées

“…Marti et al (2016) C . La fréquence la plus adaptée pour pénétrer la neige et restituer son équivalent en eau est la bande Ku (Rott et al, 2014), mais aucun capteur satellite SAR ne la possède actuellement. Dans le cas de la banquise, les propriétés isolantes de la neige ralentissent la croissance de la glace en l'isolant de l'air froid.…”