Development of Snow Retrieval Algorithms for CoReH2O: Final Report

Abstract

This report presents an overview on the main activities and a synthesis of key results of the project. The main objective of the project has been the development and implementation of the physical basis, software tools and processing line for retrieval of the primary geophysical parameters (Level- 2 products) for the CoReH2O mission: Snow extent, snow mass (SWE) on land surfaces, and winter snow accumulation on glaciers. Another main task of the project has been a detailed performance analysis for the retrieval algorithm, based on retrievals of Level-2 products using as input simulated data, generated with a Synthetic Scene Generator, as well as experimental data from in-situ scatterometer measurements. The information on the project work and results is arranged in this document according to the 5 project Tasks specified in the ESA Statement of Work. In the final sections of the report conclusions on the individual project activities and recommendations for further work are presented. Integral parts of the Final Report on the project are the individual task reports in full length (attached to this report as Appendix 1 to 8) and the deliverables in electronic form (software code and documentation).