Seasonal multi-scale microwave measurements and modeling of sub-arctic snow for climatological dataset development

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Snow cover persists for long periods of time over many parts of Canada, which significantly impacts regional climate, hydrology through snow melt, and ecology. In spite of this importance, measurements of snow cover, particularly across northern Canada, are limited by sparse observations. Satellite measurements can address this observational gap, but algorithms need to be developed to estimate physical parameters such as snow water equivalent (the amount of liquid water stored in solid form by a snowpack) from the satellite observations. Global climate models predict increases in winter season precipitation, and spring melt water is an important national resource, so we are faced with a scenario where information about snow cover is increasingly important, yet the conventional observation network is inadequate and existing satellite datasets are limited by high levels of uncertainty. This project seeks to develop new satellite derived snow cover datasets. The satellite data record extends back to 1978, so techniques developed with new data can be applied retrospectively to create time series over 30 years in length. Ground measurements with instruments similar to those in space will be acquired over a complete snow cover season to provide the required 'ground-truth' observations. These activities will position Canada to contribute important new measurements to support future international satellite missions designed specifically to measure snow.