Quantifying multi-scale impacts of winter extreme events on the atmosphere-snow-ground interface in the Arctic

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The first and strongest signs of global climate variability and change have been observed in the cryosphere over the past four decades, which has led to a variety of strong climate-related feedbacks. A direct consequence of warming temperatures is the increased occurrence of winter extreme events (WEE) such as rain-on-snow, heat waves and blizzards that are expected to last longer. Hence, the overarching goal of the proposed research is to develop a WEE monitoring network in the cryosphere using 40 years of satellite remote sensing data (microwave, multispectral) and modeling at various scales. In order for the proposed network to achieve its goals, my approach is twofold: 1) fieldwork is planned to measure and characterize impacts of WEE on surface state variables and the associated electromagnetic responses in order to develop satellite detection algorithms. The WEE will then be monitored from space in order to identify spatial and temporal trends in event occurrence; 2) the obtained results will be compared with snow model simulations to evaluate the impact of WEE on snow properties and how these impacts affect Peary caribou habitat. The novelty of the proposed research resides in the fact that the occurrence of WEE in the cryosphere has not been studied using remote sensing despite its significant impacts on Peary caribou, a specie now listed at risk. This is mostly due to a lack of data and expertise given the harsh winter working conditions. WEE are of particular relevance from scientific (e.g., climate scenario development), economic (e.g., damage to infrastructure) and social (e.g., public safety and natural hazards) perspectives. The proposed research program provides a unique opportunity to address these urgent needs in the context of climate change and the increased interest in natural resources. The remote sensing science that would be developed will improve our current knowledge of the state of the cryosphere and will be of significant relevance to decision-makers and northern stakeholders.