Mapping snow-depth using KA-band InSAR: Calibration and validation during SnowEx

This paper discusses the evaluation of a state-of-the-art Ka-band (35.7GHz) single-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) for snow-depth mapping during the NASA SnowEx experiment. The use of InSAR for this application presents a new approach and potential alternate technology to lidar with the advantage of wide-swath operation that is not hampered by cloud cover. We discuss the plans to leverage SnowEx for calibration, in particular characterizing potential biases due to interferometric penetration into the snow-cover by comparison with lidar and in situ measurements. In addition, lidar from the Airborne Snow Observatory will be used for validation of tree classifications and the derived digital surface models and snow-depth maps.