Monitoring snowpack evolution using interferometric synthetic aperture radar on the North Slope of Alaska, USA

摘要: This research investigates the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to generate a time-series snow water equivalent (SWE) for dry within Kuparuk watershed, North Slope, Alaska, during winter 1993/1994. Maps depicting relative change in phase and theoretical SWE between satellite acquisitions are created 3-day periods at end March 1994 using both ascending descending ERS-1 overpasses. The coefficient relating C-band is found be least twice as large what expected when simple single-layer model this study area time period. Without any direct measurements on ground, station depth hourly wind linked each map. Along with qualitative assessment, quantitative measures rate magnitude around these stations directly compared data given InSAR-derived maps acquired measured precipitation event show considerable relationship predominant direction strong winds over period while no measureable depict much less correlation winds. Despite limited ground infer snowpack conditions, results continued promise InSAR technique measure changes conditions (e.g. SWE) higher resolutions than manual sampling methods or passive microwave remote sensing. extension current L-band platforms also discussed.