Early results from the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) global snow and ice cover products

MODIS data are shown to represent a potential improvement on, or enhancement to, existing maps. Field and aircraft data, obtained on March 6, 2000, will help to validate the MODIS snow-cover maps. Qualitative comparison with operational snow maps has provided promising results. Snow and sea ice products will be archived and distributed by the National Snow and Ice Data Center beginning in the summer of 2000.