In Situ Determination of Dry and Wet Snow Permittivity: Snow Water Equivalent Algorithm Development for Low Frequency Radar Applications

• DOI: 10.1002/essoar.10508623.1
• Publication Date: 2021-11-05T19:48:49Z
• Authors: Ryan Webb; Adrian Marziliano; Randall Bonnell; Daniel McGrath; Tate Meehan; Carrie Vuyovich; Hans-Peter Marshall
• Keywords: Snowpack; Liquid water content

Extensive efforts are made to observe the accumulation and melting of seasonal snow. However, making accurate observations snow water equivalent (SWE) at global scale remains elusive. Active radar systems show promise, provided dielectric properties snowpack accurately understood. The relative permittivity (k) determines velocity wave through Equations used estimate k have been validated only for specific conditions with limited in situ validation applications. goal this work is further understand under dry wet conditions. We utilize extensive density liquid content (LWC) to: (1) Test current equations conditions, (2) (3) Determine if any improvements necessary. Data were collected Jemez Mountains, NM; Sandia Grand Mesa, CO; Cameron Pass, CO from February 2020 May 2021. will present empirical relationships based on 146 pits 92 LWC naturally snowpacks. Regression results r2 values 0.57 0.37 respectively. Our showed large differences between our commonly applied equations. attribute these assumptions shape grains that may not hold true Different assumptions, thus different equations, be necessary varying climates, though testing When considering snow, found testing. Many previous assume a background (dry) we inaccurate, as previously stated, primary driver resulting uncertainty. suggest errors SWE or estimates presented here could prove useful changes using future remote sensing opportunities such NISAR ROSE-L.