Global Snow Grain Size from ADEOS-II Satellite at 1/12 Degree Resolution

Snow grain size data is retrieved using the 865nm band from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite. The dataset provides monthly binned statistics, including sum, square sum, maximum, and minimum values per pixel, at a 1/12-degree spatial resolution. This product was generated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and last updated in October 2003.

Use Cases

• Model snow albedo feedback by analyzing the relationship between snow grain size and reflectance in the near-infrared range.
• Monitor seasonal snowpack evolution using the monthly binned statistics (sum, max, min) of grain size.
• Validate other snow property products by comparing grain size retrievals based on GLI channels 5 (0.46 μm) and 19 (0.865 μm).
• Study polar and mid-latitude snow cover dynamics across the global, Northern, and Southern Hemisphere generation units.

Strengths

• Global coverage with specific generation units for the world and both hemispheres.
• Provides multiple statistical aggregations (sum, square sum, max, min) for each binned pixel.
• Data is available at two temporal resolutions: 1-month and 16-day statistical periods.

Limitations

• Data is temporally stale, with the last update occurring in 2003.
• Specific sample size (row count) and completeness metrics for the binned data are unknown.
• Relies on the Level 2 SNGI_p product as input, inheriting any limitations from that source.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Retrieved from the GLI (Global Imager) optical sensor onboard the ADEOS-II (Midori II) satellite using channels at 0.46 μm and 0.865 μm.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated on 2003-10-25; update frequency is null.

Geography

Global coverage, with specific products for the North and South Hemispheres.