Public defence in Space Science and Technology, M.Sc.(Tech.) Pinja Venäläinen

The title of the thesis: Remote sensing of terrestrial snow water equivalent using satellite-based radiometer sensors

Thesis defender: Pinja Venäläinen
Opponent: Prof. Nick Rutter, Northumbria University, UK
Custos: Prof. Jaan Praks, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering

Snow plays a vital role in Earth's climate and water systems, covering nearly half of the Northern Hemisphere each winter. Knowing how much water is stored in snow, measured using a variable called "snow water equivalent" (SWE), is important for managing water resources, predicting floods, and understanding climate change. While ground-based (in situ) measurements of SWE are accurate, they are often too few and far between to give a full global picture. Satellites offer a good alternative, providing daily, worldwide observations of snow cover since the late 1970s. 

However, current satellite methods for estimating SWE are not always accurate, especially when the snowpack is very deep. This thesis focuses on improving SWE estimates by introducing new ways to account for how snow density changes over time and across different regions. It also develops better techniques for correcting bias when measuring deep snowpacks. Together, these improvements help create more accurate long-term records of snow cover, which are essential for understanding climate change and managing water supplies.

Key words: remote sensing, snow cover, passive microwave radiometers

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at Aaltodoc.