Global Daily Snow Depth Measurements From Satellite Microwave Sensor

Snow depth measurements over land are derived from the AMSR2 sensor aboard the JAXA GCOM-W satellite, launched in May 2012. Data is provided as daily statistical means on a 0.25-degree global grid. The product, currently at Version 2, is generated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Use Cases

• Modeling seasonal snow accumulation and melt dynamics using the daily SND (Snow Depth) parameter.
• Analyzing long-term trends in global snow cover distribution for climate studies with the 0.25-degree gridded time series.
• Assimilating SND geophysical parameter into hydrological models to predict runoff and water availability.
• Validating snow depth outputs from climate models against the ascending and descending track observations.
• Mapping spatial variability of snowpack across land surfaces using the equi-rectangular (EQR) or polar stereo (PS) projection data.

Strengths

• Global land coverage at a 0.25-degree spatial sampling resolution.
• Data includes separate statistical means for satellite ascending and descending tracks.
• Product provides both daily and monthly averaged values for temporal analysis.
• Long-term record enabled by satellite launch in 2012, supporting climate trend studies.

Limitations

• Snow depth over sea ice surfaces is not provided, limiting polar region analysis.
• Missing data values (-32768) and error codes (-32761 to -32767) require filtering during analysis.
• Reliance on microwave remote sensing can be affected by atmospheric conditions and terrain.

Provenance

Source

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Collection Method

Microwave remote sensing from the AMSR2 instrument on the GCOM-W satellite, with Level 3 processing of Level 1B and Level 2 inputs.

Time Range

Record begins after satellite launch in May 2012.

Freshness

Daily statistical period.

Geography

Global land coverage.