Articles | Volume 20, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-963-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-963-2026
Research article
 | 
04 Feb 2026
Research article |  | 04 Feb 2026

Influence of snowpack properties and local incidence angle on SAR signal depolarization: a mathematical model for high-resolution snow depth estimation

Alberto Mariani, Jacopo Borsotti, Franz Livio, Giacomo Villa, Martin Metzger, and Fabiano Monti

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Sentinel-1 SAR for historical avalanche activity reconstruction and probabilistic runout modelling under variable snow conditions
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EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3551,https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-3551, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for The Cryosphere (TC).
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Cited articles

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We developed a new model to estimate snow depth using radar satellite data. By correcting for how the viewing angle affects signal reflection, we reduced errors by nearly 40 %. Tested in the Alps and Norway, the method improves fine-scale snow monitoring, supporting avalanche forecasting and water management.
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