A Machiavellian choice for the AMSR-E SWE operational product ? (Invited)

We report results regarding the assessment and improvement of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) snow water equivalent (SWE ) algorithms. In particular, we report results concerning the validation of the current AMSR-E SWE operational product using other operational products (e.g., Snow Data Assimilation System, SNODAS) and measurements carried out by weather stations of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). We discuss some of the major limitations and potential improvements to the current algorithm, also with the discussion of the results of an ad-hoc multi-sensor experiment, the Ground Passive and Active Snow (GAPS) Experiment, carried out nearby Stanley, Idaho, on February 2009. We finally discuss whether the current ‘philosophy’ used in the operational algorithm is the best option for an operational product or we should use an approach in which the end (an improved product) justify the means (Machiavellian approach). We will discuss which is the current suggested option for this alternative approach.