Global SWE monitoring using AMSR-E data

We demonstrate the "baseline" global snow water equivalent retrieval (SWE) algorithm using Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer EOS (AMSR-E). Daily, pentad and monthly records for March 2003 of AMSR-E SWE estimates are generated and gridded to the 25 km EASE-grid projection. The estimates are tested using ground measurements from the World Meteorological Organization Global Telecommunications Network. Preliminary bias characteristics are evaluated. A fraction of the error is related to uncertainties about the grain size changes throughout the winter season that directly affect the parameterization of the snow depth estimation in algorithm. The algorithm includes the need for a correction of forest cover and this effect is clearly observed in the retrieval. AMSR-E has twice the spatial resolution of the Special Sensor Microwave Imager and is able to characterize snow variability at the local scale. Development of the algorithm is focused on a dynamic parameterization of the snow grain size and density via a dense media radiative transfer model plus the inclusion of a high quality forest correction data set.