Detection of areal snow cover changes over Antarctica using SSM/I passive microwave data

摘要

SSM/I (Special Sensor Microwave Imager) passive microwave data of two different months over the Antarctic subcontinent have been used to (i) detect the areal extent of snow cover, and (ii) to monitor the changes in the snow cover in this region. Minimum accumulation of snow over Antarctica occurs in February, and hence the detection of snow cover during January and February should indicate a depletion phase. An overall 14% decrease of snow has been observed during this period. Corresponding data for accumulation/depletion of snow indicates a matching of general trend. SSM/I data, thus, can be used as a very promising tool for monitoring of snow over the Antarctic region since it is not affected by cloud cover/darkness. [References: 8]