The retrieval of snow-depth using SSM/I remotely sensed data and its results assessment in Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) plateau

摘要

Using Chang's revised algorithm and SSM/I 37 GHz and 19 GHz horizontally polarized brightness temperature, the authors retrieved the snow depth distribution in Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) plateau. They also assessed the results' accuracy and analyzed its error sources. It showed that Chang's algorithm could describe the general trend of snow depth distribution in this area, in spite of overestimation in parts of the area. The errors are mainly from the effect of the existence of permafrost, depth-hoar and vegetation cover. The coarse spatial resolution of SSM/I remotely sensed data make the retrieved snow depth hard to compare with the ones from ground observation, make it difficult to evaluate the accuracy.