Global Snow Grain Size Map from ADEOS-II Satellite

Snow grain size data retrieved using the 865nm band from the GLI sensor onboard the ADEOS-II satellite. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) produced this Level 3 Standard Mapped product, with a spatial resolution of 1/12 degree and a 16-day statistical period. The dataset was last updated in October 2003.

Use Cases

• Model snow albedo and surface energy balance by analyzing the snow grain size feature retrieved with the 865nm band.
• Validate snowpack models by comparing simulated grain size against the satellite-derived 16-day representative values.
• Study spatial and temporal trends in snow metamorphism using the global, hemispheric, and 1/12-degree resolution maps.
• Correlate snow grain size variations with other climate variables in the EQR and PS map projections provided.

Strengths

• Global coverage with separate data for the North and South Hemispheres.
• Spatial resolution of approximately 1/12 degree for detailed mapping.
• Product is a processed Level 3 Standard Mapped product, providing representative values from binned data.

Limitations

• Data is from 2003, limiting analysis of recent climate trends.
• Unknown row count and sample size for statistical robustness assessment.
• Relies on a specific retrieval algorithm (using GLI channels 5 and 19) which may have inherent biases.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

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

Time Range

Coverage period unknown; product generation ended with the satellite mission.

Freshness

Static dataset last updated on 2003-10-25.

Geography

Global.