Estimation of snow water equivalent by use of satellite radiometry for the steppe zone of Western Siberia

In the work the authors present the results of validation of algorithms of restoration of snow water equivalent for steppe regions of Western Siberia. Microwave data from AMSU-A and AMSR-E radiometers installed on the satellite NOAA and Aqua platforms were a source of basic data. It is shown that for two-frequency algorithms, the correlation coefficient between the real and restored values of moisture content changes from 0,06 to 0,5 at average value 0,3. The statistical importance of the received estimates is insignificant and corresponds to a case of strong spatial averaging (about 50 km in pixel) that also reduces a value of results. It is shown that almost applicable accuracy (it is better 40 %) is reached at considerable averaging - more than 40 points. It corresponds to temporary averaging to level of average monthly indicators or to spatial averaging on an element of 280x280 sq. km.