SNOWWI: A Three-Frequency InSAR for Snow Science Applications

In this paper we describe the development and motivation behind the development of a NASA-sponsored airborne instrument, SNOWWI (Snow Water-equivalent Wide Swath Interferometer) that is being developed for exploring the volume scattering and penetration depth characteristics of the snowpack at three different frequencies (5.4 GHz, C-band; 13.64 GHz known as Ku-low; 17.24 GHz known as Ku-high). The system, as it is being constructed is able to receive co- and cross-polarized (VV and VH) returns in an interferometric configuration. By implementing these components of the radar signature on the same platform, we will be able to explore the relationship between snow depth, density and snow water equivalent on the overall radar signature. This work is being done in conjunction with a strong modeling component being led by the University of Michigan, a ground campaign component supported by Boise State University and the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), and a spaceborne concept development being led by Capella Space.