Global snowfall detection and measurement

Abstract

This chapter highlights the CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar and its contribution to global snowfall research. Brief summaries of recent snowfall-related research using CloudSat snowfall products and near-global snowfall datasets are provided. Global snowfall detection statistics and quantitative snowfall rate estimates from CloudSat are also presented, including global mean zonal precipitation phase and snowfall-only statistics. A simple quality control methodology is also presented to alleviate ground clutter that can affect quantitative snowfall estimates. Gridded spatial analyses also provide valuable information on snowfall prone locations and corresponding annual mean snowfall accumulation estimates, including a monthly hemispheric snowfall variability analysis. Future research pathways to use and improve CloudSat snowfall products are also discussed.