We propose to investigate the temporal and spatial variability of surface albedo, bidirectional reflectivity BRDF and snow properties in Antarctica. The overall goal of the project is to improve prognostic snow models and parameterizations of snow albedo used in regional and global climate models. The parameterizations will be formulated in dependence on snow grain size, snow surface roughness and atmospheric parameters. To achieve this goal we will couple ground based in situ (temporal variability) and airborne remote sensing measurements (spatial variability). Airborne data will include spectral surface albedo, BRDF, surface roughness and snow grain size. Corresponding remote sensing retrieval algorithms will be improved and developed in the project. The same quantities will be measured in situ on the Antarctic plateau by ground based instruments installed at Kohnen Station. The ground based measurements covering the temporal variability of snow and atmospheric properties will allow validating and improving prognostic snow models coupled to a radiative transfer code. By implementing measurement data in the models and comparing simulated and measured snow albedo and by sensitivity studies, snow albedo parameterizations for use in radiative transfer and climate models will be validated and improved. This will reduce uncertainties in predicting future climate change in Antartica.
DFG Programme
Infrastructure Priority Programmes
