Estimation of snow covered area by applying apparent regional transmissivity

Abstract

The detection of snow from optical instruments is often hampered by forest canopy. In this paper, an empirical reflectance model for estimating regional values for snow covered area (SCA) from optical data is presented. In the model, SCA is expressed as a function of apparent vegetation transmissivity. The estimation of SCA has been tested for NOAA/AVHRR data with drainage basins as calculation units. The same areas are used in an operative hydrological model. Comparison of estimated SCA with reference data indicates good correlation.