Global navigation satellite system reflectometry has already shown its potential to perform retrievals of a number of geophysical parameters, including soil moisture, vegetation height, etc. This letter focuses on the study of snow-covered soils using the interference pattern technique (IPT) with the Soil Moisture Interference-pattern GNSS Observations at L-band (SMIGOL) reflectometer, a ground-based instrument. Snow effects are analyzed, and an algorithm has been developed for this type of surfaces. From November 2010 to May 2011, a long-term field experiment was carried out at the Pyrenees (Val d'Aran, Lleida, Spain) to test the IPT and the retrieval algorithms on snow-covered soils.

GNSS reflectometry can effectively monitor snow thickness in snow-covered soils, providing valuable information for understanding snow effects and predicting snow melt.

Snow Thickness Monitoring Using GNSS Measurements

Key Takeaway: GNSS reflectometry can effectively monitor snow thickness in snow-covered soils, providing valuable information for understanding snow effects and predicting snow melt.