Articles | Volume 19, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2949-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2949-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
07 Aug 2025
Research article |
| 07 Aug 2025
| 07 Aug 2025
Radar-equivalent snowpack: reducing the number of snow layers while retaining their microwave properties and bulk snow mass
Climate Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ontario, Canada
Nicolas R. Leroux
Meteorological Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Canada
Benoit Montpetit
Climate Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ontario, Canada
Vincent Vionnet
Meteorological Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Canada
Chris Derksen
Climate Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ontario, Canada
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Julien Meloche, Melody Sandells, Henning Löwe, Nick Rutter, Ghislain Picard, Richard Essery, Randall K. Scharien, Alexandre Langlois, Matthias Jaggi, Josh King, Peter Toose, Michele Scagliola, Jerome Bouffard, Alessandro Di Bella, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3615, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3615, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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Sea ice thickness is essential for climate studies. Radar altimetry has provided sea ice thickness measurements, but uncertainty arises from the interaction of the signal with the snow cover. Therefore, modelling the signal interaction with the snow is necessary to improve retrieval. A radar model was used to simulate the radar signal from the snow-covered sea ice. This work paved the way to improved physical algorithms to retrieve snow depth and sea ice thickness for radar altimeter missions.
Alex Gélinas, Benoît Montpetit, Julien Meloche, Peter Toose, Zeinab Akhavan, Wei Wang, Richard Kelly, Alexandre Langlois, and Alexandre Roy
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-656, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-656, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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This research validates a method to link radar measurements to soil properties beneath snow in a temperate farming region. By using multiple radar sensors and computer models, we successfully decoupled the ground's interference from the snow signal. Our results show that radar captures unique information that traditional ground tools miss during freeze-thaw cycles. This work provides a vital framework for the future Canadian Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission to monitor water resources.
Nicolas R. Leroux, Vincent Vionnet, Courtney Bayer, Julien Meloche, Arlan Dirkson, Franck Lespinas, Mark Buehner, Marco Carrera, Benoit Montpetit, Bernard Bilodeau, Maria Abrahamowicz, and Chris Derksen
The Cryosphere, 20, 2773–2792, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-2773-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-2773-2026, 2026
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This study evaluates the assimilation of Ku-band radar backscatter into a multilayer snowpack model to support the upcoming Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission. Synthetic experiments were conducted at Arctic, continental, and alpine sites over three winters using a particle filter. Results show that assimilating backscatter improves estimates of snow water equivalent, depth, and vertical snow properties, laying the groundwork for future satellite missions focused on radar-based snow monitoring.
Georgina J. Woolley, Nick Rutter, Leanne Wake, Vincent Vionnet, Chris Derksen, Julien Meloche, Benoit Montpetit, Nicolas R. Leroux, Richard Essery, Gabriel Hould Gosselin, and Philip Marsh
The Cryosphere, 20, 1315–1338, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1315-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1315-2026, 2026
Short summary
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The impact of uncertainties in the simulation of density and specific surface area (SSA) by the snow model Crocus (embedded in the Soil, Vegetation and Snow v2 land surface model) on the simulation of snow backscatter (13.5 GHz) using the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer model were quantified. The simulation of SSA was found to be a key model uncertainty. Underestimated SSA values lead to high errors in the simulation of backscatter, reduced by implementing a minimum SSA value (8.7 m2 kg−1).
Benoit Montpetit, Julien Meloche, Vincent Vionnet, Chris Derksen, Georgina Woolley, Nicolas R. Leroux, Paul Siqueira, J. Max Adam, and Mike Brady
The Cryosphere, 19, 5465–5484, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-5465-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-5465-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents the workflow to retrieve snow water equivalent from radar measurements for the future Canadian radar satellite mission, Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission. The workflow is validated by using airborne radar data collected at Trail Valley Creek, Canada, during winter 2018–2019. We detail important considerations to have in the context of a satellite mission over a vast region such as Canada. Results show that it is possible to achieve the desired accuracy over an Arctic environment.
Benoit Montpetit, Joshua King, Julien Meloche, Chris Derksen, Paul Siqueira, J. Max Adam, Peter Toose, Mike Brady, Anna Wendleder, Vincent Vionnet, and Nicolas R. Leroux
The Cryosphere, 18, 3857–3874, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3857-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3857-2024, 2024
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This paper validates the use of free open-source models to link distributed snow measurements to radar measurements in the Canadian Arctic. Using multiple radar sensors, we can decouple the soil from the snow contribution. We then retrieve the "microwave snow grain size" to characterize the interaction between the snow mass and the radar signal. This work supports future satellite mission development to retrieve snow mass information such as the future Canadian Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission.
Julien Meloche, Melody Sandells, Henning Löwe, Nick Rutter, Richard Essery, Ghislain Picard, Randall K. Scharien, Alexandre Langlois, Matthias Jaggi, Josh King, Peter Toose, Jérôme Bouffard, Alessandro Di Bella, and Michele Scagliola
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1583, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1583, 2024
Preprint archived
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Sea ice thickness is essential for climate studies. Radar altimetry has provided sea ice thickness measurement, but uncertainty arises from interaction of the signal with the snow cover. Therefore, modelling the signal interaction with the snow is necessary to improve retrieval. A radar model was used to simulate the radar signal from the snow-covered sea ice. This work paved the way to improved physical algorithm to retrieve snow depth and sea ice thickness for radar altimeter missions.
Julien Meloche, Alexandre Langlois, Nick Rutter, Alain Royer, Josh King, Branden Walker, Philip Marsh, and Evan J. Wilcox
The Cryosphere, 16, 87–101, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-87-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-87-2022, 2022
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To estimate snow water equivalent from space, model predictions of the satellite measurement (brightness temperature in our case) have to be used. These models allow us to estimate snow properties from the brightness temperature by inverting the model. To improve SWE estimate, we proposed incorporating the variability of snow in these model as it has not been taken into account yet. A new parameter (coefficient of variation) is proposed because it improved simulation of brightness temperature.
Matthieu Lafaysse, Marie Dumont, Basile De Fleurian, Mathieu Fructus, Rafife Nheili, Léo Viallon-Galinier, Matthieu Baron, Aaron Boone, Axel Bouchet, Julien Brondex, Carlo Carmagnola, Bertrand Cluzet, Kévin Fourteau, Ange Haddjeri, Pascal Hagenmuller, Giulia Mazzotti, Marie Minvielle, Samuel Morin, Louis Quéno, Léon Roussel, Pierre Spandre, François Tuzet, and Vincent Vionnet
Geosci. Model Dev., 19, 6273–6334, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-6273-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-6273-2026, 2026
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This article is a comprehensive description of the 3.0.2 stable release of the Crocus snowpack model. It describes various new implementations since the last reference article in 2012 and a review of the available scientific evaluations and applications of the model. This provides guidance for the future of numerical snow modelling.
Julien Meloche, Melody Sandells, Henning Löwe, Nick Rutter, Ghislain Picard, Richard Essery, Randall K. Scharien, Alexandre Langlois, Matthias Jaggi, Josh King, Peter Toose, Michele Scagliola, Jerome Bouffard, Alessandro Di Bella, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3615, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3615, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
Short summary
Short summary
Sea ice thickness is essential for climate studies. Radar altimetry has provided sea ice thickness measurements, but uncertainty arises from the interaction of the signal with the snow cover. Therefore, modelling the signal interaction with the snow is necessary to improve retrieval. A radar model was used to simulate the radar signal from the snow-covered sea ice. This work paved the way to improved physical algorithms to retrieve snow depth and sea ice thickness for radar altimeter missions.
Charlotte Crevier, Alexandre Langlois, Chris Derksen, and Alexandre Roy
The Cryosphere, 20, 3369–3385, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-3369-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-3369-2026, 2026
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A multisensor C-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) near-daily time series in an Arctic environment was developed to create a high-resolution freeze/thaw (FT) algorithm with an accuracy of 96 %. The FT detection was highly correlated to near-surface state as measured by soil temperature. Small but significant FT date differences were identified for different Arctic ecotypes, showing the spatial variability of freeze/thaw process in Arctic environment.
Alex Gélinas, Benoît Montpetit, Julien Meloche, Peter Toose, Zeinab Akhavan, Wei Wang, Richard Kelly, Alexandre Langlois, and Alexandre Roy
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-656, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-656, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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This research validates a method to link radar measurements to soil properties beneath snow in a temperate farming region. By using multiple radar sensors and computer models, we successfully decoupled the ground's interference from the snow signal. Our results show that radar captures unique information that traditional ground tools miss during freeze-thaw cycles. This work provides a vital framework for the future Canadian Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission to monitor water resources.
Nicolas R. Leroux, Vincent Vionnet, Courtney Bayer, Julien Meloche, Arlan Dirkson, Franck Lespinas, Mark Buehner, Marco Carrera, Benoit Montpetit, Bernard Bilodeau, Maria Abrahamowicz, and Chris Derksen
The Cryosphere, 20, 2773–2792, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-2773-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-2773-2026, 2026
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This study evaluates the assimilation of Ku-band radar backscatter into a multilayer snowpack model to support the upcoming Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission. Synthetic experiments were conducted at Arctic, continental, and alpine sites over three winters using a particle filter. Results show that assimilating backscatter improves estimates of snow water equivalent, depth, and vertical snow properties, laying the groundwork for future satellite missions focused on radar-based snow monitoring.
Mickaël Lalande, Alexandre Roy, Libo Wang, Diana Verseghy, Vincent Vionnet, Florent Dominé, and Christophe Kinnard
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-492, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-492, 2026
Short summary
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This study enhances a snow model for Arctic environments by improving the heat exchanges within the snowpack and at its interfaces, revising the compaction scheme, and adding consideration of blowing snow sublimation losses. Simulations at ten Arctic, mid-latitude, and Alpine sites show significant reductions in simulated soil and snow temperature biases and improved simulated snow depth and density, which are key features to improve simulated energy, water, and carbon budgets in the Arctic.
Zeinab Akhavan, Richard Kelly, Peter Toose, Aaron Thompson, Wei Wang, Benoit Montpetit, Alex Gélinas, and Alexandre Roy
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1065, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-1065, 2026
Short summary
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Soils in cold regions freeze and thaw seasonally, affecting water flow, flooding, and carbon exchange, but these changes are hard to track beneath snow. We studied a Canadian agricultural field using high-resolution airborne radar and ground measurements through winter. Radar signals changed clearly as soils froze and thawed, with one polarization being most sensitive. Our results improve understanding of frozen soils and support future satellite monitoring.
Benjamin Bouchard, Vincent Vionnet, Étienne Gaborit, and Vincent Fortin
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-928, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-928, 2026
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We show that representing macropores based on soil liquid water significantly improves streamflow simulation in the SVS land surface model under frozen soil conditions. Tested at over 580 stations in the Great-Lakes and Saint-Lawrence region for five years, this simple method can be easily transferred to other land surface models. Our results show that frozen soil infiltration is key for realistic streamflow simulations in cold climates, which is critical for operational hydrological prediction.
Hesam Salmabadi, Renato Pardo Lara, Aaron Berg, Alex Mavrovic, Chelene Hanes, Benoit Montpetit, and Alexandre Roy
The Cryosphere, 20, 1635–1654, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1635-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1635-2026, 2026
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Current satellite monitoring often oversimplifies soil freezing by assuming it happens exactly at 0°C. We analyzed ground data across Canada and found that soil often stays in a partially frozen state for months, even when air temperatures are well below freezing, revealing a major gap in how we track seasonally frozen ground.
Georgina J. Woolley, Nick Rutter, Leanne Wake, Vincent Vionnet, Chris Derksen, Julien Meloche, Benoit Montpetit, Nicolas R. Leroux, Richard Essery, Gabriel Hould Gosselin, and Philip Marsh
The Cryosphere, 20, 1315–1338, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1315-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-1315-2026, 2026
Short summary
Short summary
The impact of uncertainties in the simulation of density and specific surface area (SSA) by the snow model Crocus (embedded in the Soil, Vegetation and Snow v2 land surface model) on the simulation of snow backscatter (13.5 GHz) using the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer model were quantified. The simulation of SSA was found to be a key model uncertainty. Underestimated SSA values lead to high errors in the simulation of backscatter, reduced by implementing a minimum SSA value (8.7 m2 kg−1).
Vincent Vionnet, Nicolas R. Leroux, Vincent Fortin, Maria Abrahamowicz, Georgina Woolley, Giulia Mazzotti, Manon Gaillard, Matthieu Lafaysse, Alain Royer, Florent Domine, Nathalie Gauthier, Nick Rutter, Chris Derksen, and Stéphane Bélair
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 9119–9147, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-9119-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-9119-2025, 2025
Short summary
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Snow microstructure controls snowpack properties, but most land surface models overlook this factor. To support future satellite missions, we created a new land surface model based on the Crocus scheme that simulates snow microstructure. Key improvements include better snow albedo representation, enhanced Arctic snow modeling, and improved forest module to capture Canada's diverse snow conditions. Results demonstrate improved simulations of snow density and melt across large regions of Canada.
Benoit Montpetit, Julien Meloche, Vincent Vionnet, Chris Derksen, Georgina Woolley, Nicolas R. Leroux, Paul Siqueira, J. Max Adam, and Mike Brady
The Cryosphere, 19, 5465–5484, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-5465-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-5465-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This paper presents the workflow to retrieve snow water equivalent from radar measurements for the future Canadian radar satellite mission, Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission. The workflow is validated by using airborne radar data collected at Trail Valley Creek, Canada, during winter 2018–2019. We detail important considerations to have in the context of a satellite mission over a vast region such as Canada. Results show that it is possible to achieve the desired accuracy over an Arctic environment.
Colleen Mortimer and Vincent Vionnet
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 17, 3619–3640, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-17-3619-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-17-3619-2025, 2025
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In situ observations of snow water equivalent (SWE) are critical for climate applications and resource management. NorSWE is a dataset of in situ SWE observations covering North America, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Russia, and Nepal over the period 1979–2021. It includes more than 11.5 million observations from more than 10 000 different locations compiled from nine different sources. Snow depth and derived bulk snow density are included when available.
Alireza Amani, Marie-Amélie Boucher, Alexandre R. Cabral, Vincent Vionnet, and Étienne Gaborit
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2445–2465, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2445-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2445-2025, 2025
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Accurately estimating groundwater recharge using numerical models is particularly difficult in cold regions with snow and soil freezing. This study evaluated a physics-based model against high-resolution field measurements. Our findings highlight a need for a better representation of soil-freezing processes, offering a roadmap for future model development. This leads to more accurate models to aid in water resource management decisions in cold climates.
Haorui Sun, Yiwen Fang, Steven A. Margulis, Colleen Mortimer, Lawrence Mudryk, and Chris Derksen
The Cryosphere, 19, 2017–2036, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2017-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-2017-2025, 2025
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The European Space Agency's Snow Climate Change Initiative (Snow CCI) developed a high-quality snow cover extent and snow water equivalent (SWE) climate data record. However, gaps exist in complex terrain due to challenges in using passive microwave sensing and in situ measurements. This study presents a methodology to fill the mountain SWE gap using Snow CCI snow cover fraction within a Bayesian SWE reanalysis framework, with potential applications in untested regions and with other sensors.
Manon Gaillard, Vincent Vionnet, Matthieu Lafaysse, Marie Dumont, and Paul Ginoux
The Cryosphere, 19, 769–792, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-769-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-769-2025, 2025
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This study presents an efficient method to improve large-scale snow albedo simulations by considering the spatial variability in light-absorbing particles (LAPs) like black carbon and dust. A global climatology of LAP deposition was created and used to optimize a parameter in the Crocus snow model. Testing at 10 global sites improved albedo predictions by 10 % on average and over 25 % in the Arctic. This method can enhance other snow models' predictions without complex simulations.
Lawrence Mudryk, Colleen Mortimer, Chris Derksen, Aleksandra Elias Chereque, and Paul Kushner
The Cryosphere, 19, 201–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-201-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-201-2025, 2025
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We evaluate and rank 23 different datasets on their ability to accurately estimate historical snow amounts. The evaluation uses new a set of surface snow measurements with improved spatial coverage, enabling evaluation across both mountainous and nonmountainous regions. Performance measures vary tremendously across the products: while most perform reasonably in nonmountainous regions, accurate representation of snow amounts in mountainous regions and of historical trends is much more variable.
Georgina J. Woolley, Nick Rutter, Leanne Wake, Vincent Vionnet, Chris Derksen, Richard Essery, Philip Marsh, Rosamond Tutton, Branden Walker, Matthieu Lafaysse, and David Pritchard
The Cryosphere, 18, 5685–5711, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5685-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5685-2024, 2024
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Parameterisations of Arctic snow processes were implemented into the multi-physics ensemble version of the snow model Crocus (embedded within the Soil, Vegetation, and Snow version 2 land surface model) and evaluated at an Arctic tundra site. Optimal combinations of parameterisations that improved the simulation of density and specific surface area featured modifications that raise wind speeds to increase compaction in surface layers, prevent snowdrift, and increase viscosity in basal layers.
Colleen Mortimer, Lawrence Mudryk, Eunsang Cho, Chris Derksen, Mike Brady, and Carrie Vuyovich
The Cryosphere, 18, 5619–5639, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5619-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5619-2024, 2024
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Ground measurements of snow water equivalent (SWE) are vital for understanding the accuracy of large-scale estimates from satellites and climate models. We compare two types of measurements – snow courses and airborne gamma SWE estimates – and analyze how measurement type impacts the accuracy assessment of gridded SWE products. We use this analysis to produce a combined reference SWE dataset for North America, applicable for future gridded SWE product evaluations and other applications.
Aleksandra Elias Chereque, Paul J. Kushner, Lawrence Mudryk, Chris Derksen, and Colleen Mortimer
The Cryosphere, 18, 4955–4969, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4955-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4955-2024, 2024
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We look at three commonly used snow depth datasets that are produced through a combination of snow modelling and historical measurements (reanalysis). When compared with each other, these datasets have differences that arise for various reasons. We show that a simple snow model can be used to examine these inconsistencies and highlight issues. This method indicates that one of the complex datasets should be excluded from further studies.
Cecile B. Menard, Sirpa Rasmus, Ioanna Merkouriadi, Gianpaolo Balsamo, Annett Bartsch, Chris Derksen, Florent Domine, Marie Dumont, Dorothee Ehrich, Richard Essery, Bruce C. Forbes, Gerhard Krinner, David Lawrence, Glen Liston, Heidrun Matthes, Nick Rutter, Melody Sandells, Martin Schneebeli, and Sari Stark
The Cryosphere, 18, 4671–4686, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4671-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4671-2024, 2024
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Computer models, like those used in climate change studies, are written by modellers who have to decide how best to construct the models in order to satisfy the purpose they serve. Using snow modelling as an example, we examine the process behind the decisions to understand what motivates or limits modellers in their decision-making. We find that the context in which research is undertaken is often more crucial than scientific limitations. We argue for more transparency in our research practice.
Giulia Mazzotti, Jari-Pekka Nousu, Vincent Vionnet, Tobias Jonas, Rafife Nheili, and Matthieu Lafaysse
The Cryosphere, 18, 4607–4632, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4607-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-4607-2024, 2024
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As many boreal and alpine forests have seasonal snow, models are needed to predict forest snow under future environmental conditions. We have created a new forest snow model by combining existing, very detailed model components for the canopy and the snowpack. We applied it to forests in Switzerland and Finland and showed how complex forest cover leads to a snowpack layering that is very variable in space and time because different processes prevail at different locations in the forest.
Louise Arnal, Martyn P. Clark, Alain Pietroniro, Vincent Vionnet, David R. Casson, Paul H. Whitfield, Vincent Fortin, Andrew W. Wood, Wouter J. M. Knoben, Brandi W. Newton, and Colleen Walford
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4127–4155, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4127-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4127-2024, 2024
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Forecasting river flow months in advance is crucial for water sectors and society. In North America, snowmelt is a key driver of flow. This study presents a statistical workflow using snow data to forecast flow months ahead in North American snow-fed rivers. Variations in the river flow predictability across the continent are evident, raising concerns about future predictability in a changing (snow) climate. The reproducible workflow hosted on GitHub supports collaborative and open science.
Benoit Montpetit, Joshua King, Julien Meloche, Chris Derksen, Paul Siqueira, J. Max Adam, Peter Toose, Mike Brady, Anna Wendleder, Vincent Vionnet, and Nicolas R. Leroux
The Cryosphere, 18, 3857–3874, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3857-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3857-2024, 2024
Short summary
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This paper validates the use of free open-source models to link distributed snow measurements to radar measurements in the Canadian Arctic. Using multiple radar sensors, we can decouple the soil from the snow contribution. We then retrieve the "microwave snow grain size" to characterize the interaction between the snow mass and the radar signal. This work supports future satellite mission development to retrieve snow mass information such as the future Canadian Terrestrial Snow Mass Mission.
Ange Haddjeri, Matthieu Baron, Matthieu Lafaysse, Louis Le Toumelin, César Deschamps-Berger, Vincent Vionnet, Simon Gascoin, Matthieu Vernay, and Marie Dumont
The Cryosphere, 18, 3081–3116, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3081-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3081-2024, 2024
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Our study addresses the complex challenge of evaluating distributed alpine snow simulations with snow transport against snow depths from Pléiades stereo imagery and snow melt-out dates from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 satellites. Additionally, we disentangle error contributions between blowing snow, precipitation heterogeneity, and unresolved subgrid variability. Snow transport enhances the snow simulations at high elevations, while precipitation biases are the main error source in other areas.
Paul Billecocq, Alexandre Langlois, and Benoit Montpetit
The Cryosphere, 18, 2765–2782, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2765-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2765-2024, 2024
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Snow covers a vast part of the globe, making snow water equivalent (SWE) crucial for climate science and hydrology. SWE can be inversed from satellite data, but the snow's complex structure highly affects the signal, and thus an educated first guess is mandatory. In this study, a subgridding framework was developed to model snow at the local scale from model weather data. The framework enhanced snow parameter modeling, paving the way for SWE inversion algorithms from satellite data.
Julien Meloche, Melody Sandells, Henning Löwe, Nick Rutter, Richard Essery, Ghislain Picard, Randall K. Scharien, Alexandre Langlois, Matthias Jaggi, Josh King, Peter Toose, Jérôme Bouffard, Alessandro Di Bella, and Michele Scagliola
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1583, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1583, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
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Sea ice thickness is essential for climate studies. Radar altimetry has provided sea ice thickness measurement, but uncertainty arises from interaction of the signal with the snow cover. Therefore, modelling the signal interaction with the snow is necessary to improve retrieval. A radar model was used to simulate the radar signal from the snow-covered sea ice. This work paved the way to improved physical algorithm to retrieve snow depth and sea ice thickness for radar altimeter missions.
Stephen E. L. Howell, David G. Babb, Jack C. Landy, Isolde A. Glissenaar, Kaitlin McNeil, Benoit Montpetit, and Mike Brady
The Cryosphere, 18, 2321–2333, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2321-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2321-2024, 2024
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The CAA serves as both a source and a sink for sea ice from the Arctic Ocean, while also exporting sea ice into Baffin Bay. It is also an important region with respect to navigating the Northwest Passage. Here, we quantify sea ice transport and replenishment across and within the CAA from 2016 to 2022. We also provide the first estimates of the ice area and volume flux within the CAA from the Queen Elizabeth Islands to Parry Channel, which spans the central region of the Northwest Passage.
Victoria R. Dutch, Nick Rutter, Leanne Wake, Oliver Sonnentag, Gabriel Hould Gosselin, Melody Sandells, Chris Derksen, Branden Walker, Gesa Meyer, Richard Essery, Richard Kelly, Phillip Marsh, Julia Boike, and Matteo Detto
Biogeosciences, 21, 825–841, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-825-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-825-2024, 2024
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We undertake a sensitivity study of three different parameters on the simulation of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) during the snow-covered non-growing season at an Arctic tundra site. Simulations are compared to eddy covariance measurements, with near-zero NEE simulated despite observed CO2 release. We then consider how to parameterise the model better in Arctic tundra environments on both sub-seasonal timescales and cumulatively throughout the snow-covered non-growing season.
Matthieu Baron, Ange Haddjeri, Matthieu Lafaysse, Louis Le Toumelin, Vincent Vionnet, and Mathieu Fructus
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 1297–1326, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-1297-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-1297-2024, 2024
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Increasing the spatial resolution of numerical systems simulating snowpack evolution in mountain areas requires representing small-scale processes such as wind-induced snow transport. We present SnowPappus, a simple scheme coupled with the Crocus snow model to compute blowing-snow fluxes and redistribute snow among grid points at 250 m resolution. In terms of numerical cost, it is suitable for large-scale applications. We present point-scale evaluations of fluxes and snow transport occurrence.
Hadleigh D. Thompson, Julie M. Thériault, Stephen J. Déry, Ronald E. Stewart, Dominique Boisvert, Lisa Rickard, Nicolas R. Leroux, Matteo Colli, and Vincent Vionnet
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 15, 5785–5806, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-5785-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-15-5785-2023, 2023
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The Saint John River experiment on Cold Season Storms was conducted in northwest New Brunswick, Canada, to investigate the types of precipitation that can lead to ice jams and flooding along the river. We deployed meteorological instruments, took precipitation measurements and photographs of snowflakes, and launched weather balloons. These data will help us to better understand the atmospheric conditions that can affect local communities and townships downstream during the spring melt season.
Chris Derksen and Lawrence Mudryk
The Cryosphere, 17, 1431–1443, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1431-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-1431-2023, 2023
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We examine Arctic snow cover trends through the lens of climate assessments. We determine the sensitivity of change in snow cover extent to year-over-year increases in time series length, reference period, the use of a statistical methodology to improve inter-dataset agreement, version changes in snow products, and snow product ensemble size. By identifying the sensitivity to the range of choices available to investigators, we increase confidence in reported Arctic snow extent changes.
Victoria R. Dutch, Nick Rutter, Leanne Wake, Melody Sandells, Chris Derksen, Branden Walker, Gabriel Hould Gosselin, Oliver Sonnentag, Richard Essery, Richard Kelly, Phillip Marsh, Joshua King, and Julia Boike
The Cryosphere, 16, 4201–4222, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4201-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4201-2022, 2022
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Measurements of the properties of the snow and soil were compared to simulations of the Community Land Model to see how well the model represents snow insulation. Simulations underestimated snow thermal conductivity and wintertime soil temperatures. We test two approaches to reduce the transfer of heat through the snowpack and bring simulated soil temperatures closer to measurements, with an alternative parameterisation of snow thermal conductivity being more appropriate.
Leung Tsang, Michael Durand, Chris Derksen, Ana P. Barros, Do-Hyuk Kang, Hans Lievens, Hans-Peter Marshall, Jiyue Zhu, Joel Johnson, Joshua King, Juha Lemmetyinen, Melody Sandells, Nick Rutter, Paul Siqueira, Anne Nolin, Batu Osmanoglu, Carrie Vuyovich, Edward Kim, Drew Taylor, Ioanna Merkouriadi, Ludovic Brucker, Mahdi Navari, Marie Dumont, Richard Kelly, Rhae Sung Kim, Tien-Hao Liao, Firoz Borah, and Xiaolan Xu
The Cryosphere, 16, 3531–3573, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3531-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-3531-2022, 2022
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Snow water equivalent (SWE) is of fundamental importance to water, energy, and geochemical cycles but is poorly observed globally. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements at X- and Ku-band can address this gap. This review serves to inform the broad snow research, monitoring, and application communities about the progress made in recent decades to move towards a new satellite mission capable of addressing the needs of the geoscience researchers and users.
Juha Lemmetyinen, Juval Cohen, Anna Kontu, Juho Vehviläinen, Henna-Reetta Hannula, Ioanna Merkouriadi, Stefan Scheiblauer, Helmut Rott, Thomas Nagler, Elisabeth Ripper, Kelly Elder, Hans-Peter Marshall, Reinhard Fromm, Marc Adams, Chris Derksen, Joshua King, Adriano Meta, Alex Coccia, Nick Rutter, Melody Sandells, Giovanni Macelloni, Emanuele Santi, Marion Leduc-Leballeur, Richard Essery, Cecile Menard, and Michael Kern
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 3915–3945, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-3915-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-3915-2022, 2022
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The manuscript describes airborne, dual-polarised X and Ku band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected over several campaigns over snow-covered terrain in Finland, Austria and Canada. Colocated snow and meteorological observations are also presented. The data are meant for science users interested in investigating X/Ku band radar signatures from natural environments in winter conditions.
Juliane Mai, Hongren Shen, Bryan A. Tolson, Étienne Gaborit, Richard Arsenault, James R. Craig, Vincent Fortin, Lauren M. Fry, Martin Gauch, Daniel Klotz, Frederik Kratzert, Nicole O'Brien, Daniel G. Princz, Sinan Rasiya Koya, Tirthankar Roy, Frank Seglenieks, Narayan K. Shrestha, André G. T. Temgoua, Vincent Vionnet, and Jonathan W. Waddell
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 3537–3572, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3537-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-3537-2022, 2022
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Model intercomparison studies are carried out to test various models and compare the quality of their outputs over the same domain. In this study, 13 diverse model setups using the same input data are evaluated over the Great Lakes region. Various model outputs – such as streamflow, evaporation, soil moisture, and amount of snow on the ground – are compared using standardized methods and metrics. The basin-wise model outputs and observations are made available through an interactive website.
Julien Meloche, Alexandre Langlois, Nick Rutter, Alain Royer, Josh King, Branden Walker, Philip Marsh, and Evan J. Wilcox
The Cryosphere, 16, 87–101, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-87-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-87-2022, 2022
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To estimate snow water equivalent from space, model predictions of the satellite measurement (brightness temperature in our case) have to be used. These models allow us to estimate snow properties from the brightness temperature by inverting the model. To improve SWE estimate, we proposed incorporating the variability of snow in these model as it has not been taken into account yet. A new parameter (coefficient of variation) is proposed because it improved simulation of brightness temperature.
Vincent Vionnet, Colleen Mortimer, Mike Brady, Louise Arnal, and Ross Brown
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 4603–4619, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4603-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-4603-2021, 2021
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Water equivalent of snow cover (SWE) is a key variable for water management, hydrological forecasting and climate monitoring. A new Canadian SWE dataset (CanSWE) is presented in this paper. It compiles data collected by multiple agencies and companies at more than 2500 different locations across Canada over the period 1928–2020. Snow depth and derived bulk snow density are also included when available.
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Short summary
Measuring snow mass from radar measurements is possible with information on snow and a radar model to link the measurements to snow. A key variable in a retrieval is the number of snow layers, with more layers yielding richer information but at increased computational cost. Here, we show the capabilities of a new method for simplifying a complex snowpack while preserving the scattering behavior of the snowpack and conserving its mass.
Measuring snow mass from radar measurements is possible with information on snow and a radar...
