Training Module / online
A new EUMeTrain training module on snow cover climatology based on satellite data aims to provide insights on snow detection from space and its applications for regional climate studies.
Snow cover is an important climate variable, on both local and global scales. It affects the planetary radiation budget through high albedo values. It influences the hydrological cycle globally and locally, and for many locations it is an important source of water. This new module provides the opportunity for self-learning on snow cover and snow water equivalent detection using satellite data. Training materials in the module include the scientific background of satellite-based snow observations, snow data retrievals for particular point, and validation techniques using ground-based measurements. The examples are from the Baltic States and cover a period of 13 years (from 2000 to 2013). It gives the short overview of advantages and limitations of satellite-based snow cover data.
Training material is supplemented with exercises, so everybody can test their knowledge after finishing different chapters. The main target groups for this module are climatologists and hydrologists, but the information provided will be useful for everybody who is interested in snow detection using remote sensing systems.