Algorithm development for the estimation of snow water equivalent in the boreal forest using passive microwave data

Abstract

This paper presents the results of recent algorithm development to estimate snow water equivalent (SWE) in the boreal forest landscape. Airborne microwave data and ground-based measurements of snow cover were acquired during the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) winter field campaign held in February 1994. Land cover information for the flight lines was derived from BOREAS Landsat Thematic Mapper (Landsat TM) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (NOAA AVHRR) classification maps. Analysis of the experimental datasets shows that the microwave vertically polarized difference index (MPDI) for 18 and 37 GHz can be used to estimate SWE in forested environments. Two linear algorithms were developed for deciduous and coniferous forest types respectively.