Reanalysis-based contextualization of real-time snow cover monitoring from space. (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gascoin, Simon; Monteiro, Diego; Morin, Samuel
• Is Part Of: Environmental research letters. Volume 17:Number 11(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: reanalysis -- snow -- real time monitoring -- remote sensing -- Google Earth engine; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ac9e6a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-9326

Abstract

Abstract: Satellite remote sensing provides real-time information on the extent of the snow cover. However, the period of record is generally too short to build a reference climatology from these data alone, preventing their use as climatic indicators. Here we show that reanalysis data can be used to reconstruct a 30 year snow cover time series that fits well with the satellite observations. This climatology can then be used to put the current state of the snow cover into perspective. We implemented this approach to provide real-time information on the snow cover area in the Alps through a web application.