Retrieving snow surface temperature based on MODIS data

Abstract

On the basis of simplification of the Planck function in a low temperature range, this paper revises the practical split-window algorithm and presents a method for retrieving snow surface temperature (Ts) based on MODIS data in the middle-latitude region. The application of this method in Qinghai Lake region reveals that it is feasible for the retrieval of Ts. Results of correlation analysis indicate that there was strong negative relationship between Ts and altitude. By analyzing three typical areas in which land cover was relatively homogenous, this paper discusses the relationship between Ts and normalized difference snow index (NDSI) and then presents a new concept named "NDSI-Ts space".