The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of the data from the S192 Multispectral Scanner aboard Skylab in snow-cloud discrimination. From the available S192 screening films and digital tape data, the reflectance characteristics of snow, ice, and water clouds in different spectral bands from the visible into the near infrared spectral region can be determined. In the visible part of the spectrum, snow, ice, and water clouds appear white. In the near infrared, Band 11 (1.55 to 1.75 micrometers), water clouds are white, ice clouds are gray and snow is black. The ratio of the radiance values in Band 6 (0.68 to 0.76 micrometers to Band 11 (1.55 to 1.75 micrometers appears to provide a method for discriminating between snow cover, ice, and water clouds. (Author).

The main objective of this investigation was to evaluate the usefulness of the data from the S192 Multispectral Scanner aboard Skylab in snow-cloud discrimination. From the available S192 screening films and digital tape data, the reflectance characteristics of snow, ice, and water clouds in different spectral bands from the visible into the near infrared spectral region can be determined. In the visible part of the spectrum, snow, ice, and water clouds appear white. In the near infrared, Band 11 (1.55 to 1.75 micrometers), water clouds are white, ice clouds are gray and snow is black. The ratio of the radiance values in Band 6 (0.68 to 0.76 micrometers to Band 11 (1.55 to 1.75 micrometers appears to provide a method for discriminating between snow cover, ice, and water clouds. (Author).

The near infrared spectral radiance measurements of snow and cirrus and cumulus cloud backgrounds taken by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory's flying laboratory are evaluated. From the analysis of the 124 specra obtained, the spectral radiances or reflectance characteristics of snow and cirrus and cumulus clouds between 5500 and 7000/cm (1.82-1.43 micrometers were determined. Snow/cloud discrimination can be made by utilizing a sensor in the 5500 to 7000/ cm spectral region. Based on the analysis of these data, certain snow/cloud design parameters were identified; that is, slope of the spectral radiance, absolute spectral and/or total radiance, and the location and value of the maximum spectral radiance for the snow and cirrus and cumulus cloud backgrounds. Finally, specific recommendations are made for an optimal operational snow/cloud discrimination radiometer. (Author).

This book presents the fundamental concepts covering various stages of remote sensing from data collection to end utilization, so that it can be appreciated irrespective of the discipline in which the reader has graduated. The physical principles on which remote sensing are based has been explained without getting into complicated mathematical equations.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 163. The North, with its vast and varied landscapes, sparse population, and cold climate has always challenged its explorers: physically, mentally, logistically, and technically. The scientific community in particular has known such challenges in the past and does so today, especially in light of the projected intensification of climate change at high latitudes. Indeed, there are clear signs that change is already ongoing in many environmental variables: Air temperature and annual precipitation (including snowfall) are increasing in many regions; spring snow cover extent is decreasing; lake and river ice freeze-up dates are occurring later and breakup dates earlier; glaciers are retreating rapidly; permafrost temperatures are increasing and, in many cases, the permafrost is thawing; and sea-ice extent is at record minimums and thinning.