Global Snow-Water-Equivalent Depth Coefficient-of-Variation Classification
Summary
This data set provides a global distribution of nine subgrid snow-depth-variability categories and a coefficient of variation applicable to each category, as the result of the Subgrid SNOW Distribution (SSNOWD) submodel that defines subgrid snow-depth and snow-cover variability. This data set provides the distribution of those nine categories and their coefficient-of-variation values on a global, 2.5 arc-min latitude-longitude (approximately 5-km) grid. The time period covered is 1 January 1994 through 1 January 2004. The SSNOWD submodel was formulated to improve the depiction of autumn through spring land-atmosphere interactions and feedbacks within global weather, climate, and hydrologic models. From both atmospheric and hydrologic perspectives, the subgrid snow-depth distribution is an important quantity to account for within large-scale models. In the natural system, these subgrid snow-depth distributions are largely responsible for the mosaic of snow-covered and snow-free areas that develop as the snow melts, and the impacts of these fractional areas must be quantified in order to realistically simulate grid-averaged surface fluxes. SSNOWD's formulation incorporates observational studies showing that snow distributions can be described by a lognormal distribution and the snow-depth coefficient-of-variation (CV). Using an understanding of the physical processes that lead to these observed snow-depth variations, a global distribution of nine subgrid snow-depth-variability categories was developed, and coefficient-of-variation values were assigned to each category based on published measurements. Data are in binary format.
Data access
- download: NSF Arctic Data Center
Additional information
Identifier | |
Versions |
|
Subscribe | Subscribe to receive email when new or updated data is available. |
Related projects | |
Spatial Type | grid |
Language | English |
Grant Code | 9415386, 0229973, 9732077 |
ISO Topic Categories |
|
Categories | |
Platforms | |
Instruments | |
GCMD Science Keywords | Expand keywords |
Documentation |
|
Related links |
|
Temporal coverage
Begin datetime | 1994-01-01 00:00:00 |
End datetime | 2004-01-01 23:59:59 |
Spatial coverage
Map data from IBCSO, IBCAO, and Global Topography.
Maximum (North) Latitude:
90.00,
Minimum (South) Latitude:
-90.00
Minimum (West) Longitude:
-180.00,
Maximum (East) Longitude:
180.00
Primary point of contact information
Glen E. Liston <liston@cira.colostate.edu>
Additional contact information
- principalInvestigator: Larry Mahrt <mahrt@oce.orst.edu>
- author: Glen E. Liston <liston@cira.colostate.edu>
- principalInvestigator: Matthew Sturm <msturm@crrel.usace.army.mil>
- principalInvestigator: Glen E. Liston <liston@cira.colostate.edu>
- principalInvestigator: Charles H. Racine <charles_racine@yahoo.com>
- originator: Glen E. Liston <liston@cira.colostate.edu>
Citation
Liston, G., Liston, G. 2009. Global Snow-Water-Equivalent Depth Coefficient-of-Variation Classification. Version 1.0. UCAR/NCAR - Earth Observing Laboratory. https://doi.org/10.5065/D6GF0RMX. Accessed 10 Oct 2024.
Today's date is shown: please replace with the date of your most recent access.