Method of determining snowpack parameters using global navigation satellite system receivers

摘要

This method calculates snowpack parameters such as: snow water equivalent, snow liquid water content, snow depth and snow density, using Earth orbiting satellites from a GNSS constellation transmitting radio wave frequency carrier signals. An under-snow receiver system and an out-of-snow receiver system are employed are capable of decoding the encoded GNSS data into data products such as a carrier to noise ratios and carrier phases. A computer system receives data products. The Snowpack software programs derive a measured carrier to noise ration reduction from the carrier signals and the carrier to noise ratios. A physical model calculates a modeled excess phase and a modeled carrier noise ratio reduction, calculating measured snowpack parameters, such as: a snow water equivalent, a snow liquid water content, a snow depth, and a snow density, of the at least one snow layer. A non-linear mathematical solver adjusts the plurality of snow parameters.