2012 AGU Chapman Conference on Remote Sensing of the ...

effect precipitation make it difficult to trust CaPA over theGreat Lakes region. An experimental version of CaPA is ableto assimilate radar reflectivity and GOES imagery, mergingthese informations which are available over the Great Lakeswith gauge data and the GEM model background, but thisproduct is difficult to verify, as there are no gauges over thelakes themselves. We show how hydrological observationscan help assess the skill of the precipitation analysis,through a water balance analysis of each lake.http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/analysis/Frankenstein, SusanUsing microwave remote sensing to determinepatterns of swe and melt timing in remoteenvironmentsFrankenstein, Susan 1 ; Deeb, Elias 11. ERDC-CRREL, Hanover, NH, USASatellite microwave data have the ability to provide neardailysnow hydrology predictions in remote areas. Lackingground observations in denied regions, the Army relies onthese satellites to predict seasonal water resources, mobilityimpacts, and flood hazard mitigation. Moreover, a broadapplication of these data is limited by melt heterogeneity incomplex mountain catchments. This research uses a wellinstrumentedmountain test basin in the United States toestablish the relationship between terrain characteristics,satellite-derived snow hydrology parameters, modeling,ground-based observations and snow and water resources.We currently use, data from two passive microwave sensorsto provide near-daily estimates of snow water equivalent(SWE) and snowmelt timing, both vital parameters inmodeling the hydrology of snow-dominated basins. Theseare the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I, ~ 25kmspatial resolution) and the Advanced Microwave ScanningRadiometer (AMSR-E, ~ 12.5km spatial resolution). Bothplatforms have historical periods of record (SSM/I 1987-present; AMSR-E 2002-2011) which are used to establishpatterns of SWE accumulation/ablation and snowmelttiming. The mountainous regions of southwesternColorado, serve as a corollary test basin for the Hindu KushMountains of Afghanistan based on the region havingsimilar topographic relief, elevation, and relatively dryclimatology. The Senator Beck Basin Study Area, San JuanMountains, Colorado is identified as a test case for thisresearch. Since 2003 a full suite of ground-basedmeteorological and energy budget observations have beencollected at two distinct elevation zones in this alpineheadwater catchment. Nearby stream gage data also providerelationships between springtime changes in solar radiation,timing of snowmelt, and influx of water into the system. Thethird component of our investigation is model runs usingthe land surface model FASST (Fast All-season soilSTrength). FASST is a one-dimensional ground andvegetation model developed as part of an Army program toprovide the dynamic terrain response to predictive weatherforcing. Using a full physics mass and energy balanceapproach, FASST calculates the ground’s moisture (liquid +vapor) and ice content, temperature, and freeze/thawprofiles, as well as soil strength and surface ice and snowaccumulation/ depletion. It also calculates the vegetationtemperature profile and vegetation intercepted precipitation.With the historical records of satellite-derived snowhydrology parameters, ground-based observations andaccompanying model runs, a predictive algorithm will beestablished for snowmelt timing in the basin including theeffects of vegetation and terrain complexity.Freeman, AnthonyThe EV-1 Airborne Microwave Observatory ofSubcanopy and Subsurface (AirMOSS)InvestigationFreeman, Anthony 1 ; Moghaddam, Mahta 9 ; Lou, Yunling 1 ;Crow, Wade 2 ; Cuenca, Richard 4 ; Entekhabi, Dara 5 ; Hensley,Scott 1 ; Hollinger, Dave 6 ; Reichle, Rolf 7 ; Saatchi, Sassan 1 ;Shepson, Paul 8 ; Wofsy, Steve 31. Earth Sciences, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA,USA2. Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory, USDA,Beltsville, MD, USA3. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA4. Department of Biological & Ecological Engineering,Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA5. Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences,Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA,USA6. Forest Service, USDA, Durham, NH, USA7. GSFC, Greenbelt, MD, USA8. Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA9. Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Universityof Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USAAirMOSS is one of the five Earth Venture-1investigations selected in May 2010, with the goal ofimproving the estimates of the North American netecosystem exchange (NEE) through high-resolutionobservations of root zone soil moisture (RZSM). The 5-yearAirMOSS investigation is deigned to overlap with the SMAP62