Snow survey from space, with emphasis on the results of the analysis of Skylab EREP S192 multispectral scanner data

The Skylab EREP S192 multispectral scanner data have provided an opportunity to examine the reflectance characteristics of snow cover in several spectral bands extending from the visible into the near infrared spectral region to about 2 microns. The analysis of the S192 imagery and digital tape data from five EREP passes, two from the SL-2 mission and three from the SL-4 mission, indicates a sharp drop in reflectance of snow in the near infrared, with snow becoming essentially nonreflective in Bands 11 (1.55-1.75 microns) and 12 (2.10-2.35 microns). The results are in good agreement with the results of laboratory experiments. Two potential applications to snow mapping of measurements in the near infrared spectral region are possible: (1) the use of a near infrared band in conjunction with a visible band to distinguish automatically between snow and water droplet clouds, and (2) the use of one or more near infrared bands to detect areas of melting snow.