Validation of the canadian regional climate model (CRCM) snow cover simulations using remote sensing data

Due to their spatially consistent large scale cover, with good spatial resolution and long observation period, satellite data constitute an alternative source to snow observations ground-based network that could be used to validate simulations of climate models such as the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM). This paper presents the validation results of snow cover simulations made by the CRCM over the Quebec Province (Canada) during the period 1988-1999, using reference data provided by the snow historical mapping derived form the merging procedure of AVHRR and SSM/I mappings.