Retrieval of snow parameters by iterative inversion of a neural network

The inversion of snow parameters from passive microwave remote sensing measurements is performed, using an iterative inversion of a neural network (NN) trained with a dense-media multiple-scattering model. Inversion of four parameters is performed based on five brightness temperatures. The four parameters are mean grain size of ice particles in snow, snow density, snow temperature, and snow depth. Iterative inversion of a data-driven forward NN model is justified on a theoretical and methodological basis. An error analysis is performed, comparing iterative inversion of a forward model with the use of an explicit inverse for the retrieval of independent snow parameters from their corresponding measurements. The NN iterative inversion algorithm is further illustrated by reconstructing a synthetic terrain of snow parameters from their corresponding measurements, inverting all four parameters simultaneously. The reconstructed parameter contours are in good agreement with the original synthetic parameter contours