Field experiments for InSAR retrieval of snow mass in preparation for Copernicus ROSE-L

Abstract

Repeat-pass differential SAR interferometry (RP-InSAR) offers a well-defined, physically based approach for mapping snow mass (SWE) at high spatial resolution by measuring the path delay of the radar signal propagating through a dry snowpack. We present the results of two field experiments on SWE retrieval using InSAR carried out in the Eastern Alps in the winter periods 2019/20 and 2020/21 using airborne and satellite-based C-band and L-band SAR data. The experiments confirmed the suitability of the relation between changes in SWE and the interferometric phase for monitoring snow mass in mountain areas but revealed also critical issues for the operational generation of snow mass products calling for further developments. The experiments are aiming to prepare for the utilization of SAR data of the upcoming Copernicus ROSE-L mission for SWE monitoring.