Global Snow Grain Size Map from ADEOS-II Satellite

Monthly and 16-day global maps from 2003 provide snow grain size data retrieved using the 1640nm band. The dataset is produced by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite. It offers representative values projected onto maps with a spatial resolution of 1/12 degree.

Use Cases

• Model snow albedo feedback in climate simulations using the snow grain size parameter.
• Validate snow physics models by comparing simulated grain size against the satellite-retrieved 1640nm band data.
• Study spatial and temporal variations in snowpack surface properties across the global, northern, and southern hemispheric generation units.
• Correlate snow grain size from the Level 3 binned product with other cryospheric variables like surface temperature from the SNGI_p input data.

Strengths

• Global spatial coverage with separate data for the North and South Hemispheres.
• Data available at two temporal resolutions: 1-month and 16-day statistical periods.
• Product is at Version 2, indicating a level of refinement and validation.

Limitations

• Temporal coverage is limited to the ADEOS-II operational period, with the last update in October 2003.
• Spatial resolution of 1/12 degree may be coarse for regional or watershed-scale studies.
• The physical quantity (snow grain size) is retrieved for the very top surface only, not the snow column.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Remote sensing data from the GLI (Global Imager) optical sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite, processed to Level 3 binned and mapped products.

Time Range

Data from the ADEOS-II mission period, circa 2003.

Freshness

Data last updated on 2003-10-25; no ongoing updates expected from this specific mission.

Geography

Global coverage.