Application of the MODIS radiometer data to the snow cover investigations

Abstract

Based on the data of the MODIS spectroradiometer, the area occupied by snow cover in the upper reaches of the Syrdarya river basin was estimated. According to Kyrgyzhydromet data for 1960-2021, the variability of air temperature and precipitation in the basin was assessed. At the Tien Shan meteorological station (Ak-Shyiryak mountains), the average temperature increased by 1.9°С, at the Uzgen meteorological station – by 1.1°С over 70 years of observations. The amount of precipitation, in general, has changed insignificantly, an anomalous reduction in the amount of precipitation during the cold period has not been noted. Comparison of the snow cover area in April and May according to MODIS data for 2000-2009 and 2010-2018 showed opposite trends in the development of the situation.