CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Goodison, B.E.; Brown, R.D.: and Walker, A.E.
Date : 2001.
Title : Snow cover in Canada: Data and information for understanding the role of the cryosphere in the climate system.
Publication : AGU 2001 Fall Meeting, Moscone Centre, San Franciso, California, December 10-14, 2001.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Snow cover exhibits the largest spatial extent of any component of the cryosphere in Canada, and exerts a significant influence on climate and hydrology through modification of energy and moisture transfers and the storage of water. In addition, snow cover information (extent, depth, and water equivalent) is used in many applications such as numerical weather forecast modelling, water resource management, agriculture, construction, calculation of forest fire severity and validation of satellite algorithms and snow process models. Improved knowledge of the interactions and feedbacks of terrestrial snow and ice in the current climate system, in land surface processes, and in the hydrological cycle are required to address potential future changes in the cryosphere. A reliable database of snow cover information over a range of time and space scales is essential to achieve improved understanding of the changing nature of the cryosphere in Canada. Canada's snow cover observing system has undergone substantial changes over the last 30 years, making it a challenge to develop consistent spatial and temporal information. In-situ measurements of SWE and snow depth have declined markedly with network rationalization and automation of observing systems. Changes in methods of observation, such as for winter precipitation, have produced new systematic errors and the need to develop new adjustment and analytical techniques. On the other hand, Canadian advances in satellite-based monitoring of snow cover, especially using passive microwave data, provide the capability to derive snow cover properties in varying landscapes, and to provide new insights into snow cover-atmosphere interactions. Merging of in-situ and satellite information has yielded new information on variability and change in continental snow cover since the early 1900s. A renewed interest in the cryosphere system in Canada has provided the impetus to rescue snow data and make it easily available to the community. Cryosphere networks have received new funding and there is a strategic enhancement to contribute to GCOS requirements. Data and information will be more accessible to the scientific community and the public through the CRYSYS and State of the Canadian Cryosphere Websites and the Canadian Cryosphere Information Network. This paper will provide an overview of the changes in the data available for monitoring and modelling snow cover in Canada. Topics to be addressed include the status of existing networks, an evaluation of remotely sensed products and their use, information on snow cover variability and change, access to snow cover information, and identification of outstanding issues and challenges in producing reliable snow cover information.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology