Remote sensing, model and in-situ data fusion for snowpack parameters and related hazards in a climate change perspective (SnowBall)

Project Summary

Low spatial and temporal resolution of available in-situ snow data prevents a more accurate and timely monitoring of seasonal snow and related impact and adaptation applications. Snow monitoring is essential for prediction of flooding due to rapid snow melt, to provide snow avalanche risk forecasts, and for water resource management, including hydropower production, agriculture, groundwater and drinking water. The project will deliver a prototype snow monitoring system that combines daily satellite data from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-3 with in-situ weather station observations and state-of-the-art snowpack and climate modelling. Three important applications of snow monitoring will be demonstrated: hydrological modelling, snow-melt induced flash flood warning and snow avalanche warning. The project will also assess the impact of snow under present and future climate conditions on: flash flood statistics due to snow melt contributions, avalanche statistics and groundwater.

Framework: EEA Grants (European Economic Area Financial Mechanism)

Contract number: EEA-JRP-RO-NO-2013-1-0285

Contracting authority: Ministry of National Education (Romania)

Period: 2014 - 2017

Cod DORIS: RO14-0011

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