Nolin, Anne W. & Allan Frei, 2001.  Remote sensing of snow and characterization of snow albedo for climate simulations. chapter in Remote Sensing and Climate Simulations: Synergies and Limitations. (Martin Beniston ed.), vol. 3 in the series Advances in Global Change Research, p. 159-180

ABSTRACT

Accurate estimates of the spatial distribution and albedo of snow cover are needed for climate models, that use surface albedo as a lower boundary condition. We perform a sensitivity study that shows how model parameterizations of snow albedo affect computed snow-atmosphere fluxes. When albedo is calculated as a function of snow surface grain size, the variable albedo is sitnificantly more realistic and representative than constant albedo values. We then describe new and planned satellite-derived products that will monitor seasonal changes in snow extent and albedo and have particular relevance to the climate modeling community.