Snow cover mapping capabilities using RADARSAT standard mode data

A total of 21 RADARSAT SLC data from Heimdalen area, Norway (61°N, 9°E) during snowmelt in 1997 have been geocoded and recalibrated and analysed for temporal and incidence angle dependencies. The study area is 128 km² catchment area covering altitudes from 1053 to 1853 m, where most of the area is above the treeline. The difference between wet snow and bare ground was found to be 13 dB for Standard Beam Mode (S) S, while the difference in S2 data the day after was 6 dB. The increase contrast was explained by the difference in incidence angle. This increased contrast between wet snow and bare ground for higher incidence angle are supported by surface scattering model results. Backscattering from dry snow is 2-3 dB lower than for bare ground. Temporal backscattering behaviour correspond to snow temperature measurements and demonstrates the capability of detecting the snow melt onset