Estimation of Snow Water Equivalent using SSM/I passive microwave data in Tehran

Space-borne passive microwave observation is the most appropriate option for SWE estimation. The study area includes several sub-basins located in Tehran province, In which the microwave images of the Spectral Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), presented by NSIDC, are used. The passive microwave images acquired in descending mode spanning between 1995 and 2008 and covering three month per year (Jan. to Mar.) are applied. SWE is estimated by combination of microwave data and ground observation using linear regression algorithm, the spectral polarization difference (SPD) and Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). An index for wet snow condition in study area is developed. The results show that the designed index significantly improves the performance of the methods. Moreover, the most reliable results are achieved from the linear regression algorithm with applying index as well as the ANFIS model without applying index. The results of different algorithms are finally presented and discussed.