GlobSnow v3.0 Northern Hemisphere snow water equivalent dataset

Area of Science:

• Earth Science
• Climate Science
• Remote Sensing

Background:

• Accurate terrestrial snow water equivalent (SWE) data is crucial for understanding climate dynamics and water resource management.
• Existing datasets often have limitations in spatial coverage, temporal resolution, or accuracy.
• The GlobSnow project has been a key initiative in developing satellite-based SWE products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the GlobSnow v3.0 Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) dataset for the Northern Hemisphere, covering 1979-2018.
• To present an updated SWE retrieval methodology combining satellite and ground-based data.
• To analyze continental-scale estimates of annual maximum snow mass and its trends from 1980-2018.

Main Methods:

• Developed the GlobSnow v3.0 SWE retrieval methodology, enhancing previous versions.
• Combined satellite passive microwave radiometer data (Nimbus-7 SMMR, DMSP SSM/I, DMSP SSMIS) with ground-based synoptic snow depth observations.
• Utilized Bayesian data assimilation and the HUT Snow Emission model for data integration and bias correction.

Main Results:

• Generated daily, monthly, and monthly bias-corrected SWE estimates for the Northern Hemisphere (1979-2018).
• Provided continental-scale estimates of annual maximum snow mass for 1980-2018.
• Quantified trends in annual maximum snow mass over the study period.

Conclusions:

• The GlobSnow v3.0 dataset offers a comprehensive and improved SWE record for the Northern Hemisphere.
• The updated methodology enhances the accuracy and reliability of satellite-derived SWE estimates.
• The analysis of annual maximum snow mass trends provides valuable insights into regional climate changes.