Ground-based microwave interferometric measurements over a snow covered slope:an experimental data collection in Tyrol (Austria)

This paper reports on some results obtained during an experimental campaign carried out for monitoring a snow covered alpine mountainside and based on the use of a ground based interferometer working at C band. The effect of the interaction between radar signal and a dry snow cover on interferometric phase has been investigated on the bases of a simple model, representing the snow cover as a homogeneous lossless dielectric layer over the soil. Measured differential phases have been converted into snow depth estimations and compared to ground truth data. Coherence behaviour has been also investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. As previously documented from other researchers, the potential of the technique has been demonstrated but limits to its applicability were found to be analysed thoroughly.