Satellites Show Lots of Snow and Ice in North America

New satellite pictures show that large parts of North America are covered in snow and ice. This helps us understand weather and water resources better.
By Newsroom | Weather, North America |

Recent satellite observations confirm extensive snow and ice cover across significant portions of North America. Multiple imaging instruments have captured images depicting these conditions, offering a clear visual representation of winter's reach. This data is crucial for understanding weather patterns, resource management, and the impacts of these phenomena.

Data from satellites like the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are regularly used to map snow and ice. These instruments distinguish snow and ice from other surfaces, including clouds, based on their distinct reflectivity.

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Widespread Winter Conditions Documented

Recent reports detail substantial snow accumulations and widespread ice across various regions.

  • On January 26, VIIRS aboard the Suomi NPP satellite captured images showing new snow covering a large part of the United States.

  • Some areas experienced record-breaking daily snowfall, with 5.1 inches recorded in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 24, and 11.2 inches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 25.

  • Preliminary National Weather Service data indicated accumulations of up to 12 inches in parts of Oklahoma between January 23 and 26, with higher amounts in the Midwest and New England.

  • Heavy snow, coupled with extreme cold, sleet, and ice, led to difficult travel, power outages, and school closures.

  • North Texas also saw several inches of snow and sleet, a less common occurrence for the region.

  • In February 2021, satellite images indicated that nearly the entire United States was blanketed in snow, with three-quarters of the country covered. This event was linked to a deadly winter storm that left millions without power.

  • A significant nor'easter in February 2013 deposited snow from the East Coast westward past the Great Lakes, with a band of snow extending south into West Virginia.

  • In January 2022, a powerful nor'easter brought over 14 inches of snow to parts of southern Virginia and southern Maryland, disrupting transportation, including Interstate 95.

Satellite Systems and Data Collection

Various satellite systems are employed to monitor snow and ice cover globally and regionally.

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  • NASA's MODIS instruments, on the Terra and Aqua satellites, provide daily global snow cover data, enabling scientists to differentiate snow from clouds due to their contrasting brightness. This allows for the estimation of water content in snowpacks, a vital resource in regions like the western United States.

  • NOAA satellites, specifically the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), are utilized for tracking weather systems, including low-pressure systems and associated warnings for cold, ice, and winter storms.

  • The U.S. National Ice Center also contributes data through its satellite observations.

Satellite instruments are adept at identifying snow and ice due to their high reflectivity, which contrasts with most natural surfaces.

Regional and Hemispheric Snow Cover Extent

Data visualizations and maps are available to show the extent of snow and ice across North America and the Northern Hemisphere.

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  • Daily maps from sources like the U.S. National Ice Center illustrate snow cover over the contiguous United States, Alaska, and the entire Northern Hemisphere.

  • Websites like NOHRSC (National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center) provide current and recent graphics of snow cover extent based on satellite observations.

  • Visualizations of snow and ice extent are also offered for specific regions, including Alaska, Western Canada, and Eastern Russia.

The extent of snow cover in the U.S. and the Northern Hemisphere is mapped using satellite data, with resources available for current and archived information.

The Significance of Snow Cover Data

Snow cover plays a substantial role in various environmental processes and resource management.

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  • Snow on the ground influences biological, chemical, and geological processes.

  • In many areas, snow cover represents a critical water resource. Scientists use satellite data to estimate water content from snow melt runoff, which is essential for human consumption and irrigation.

  • Changes in land cover, including the decrease in snow and ice, are monitored by remote sensing.

Conflicting or Nuanced Perspectives

While the presence of snow and ice is clearly visible via satellite, the interpretation and implications can vary.

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  • Impact on Daily Life: News reports frequently highlight the disruptive effects of heavy snow and ice, such as treacherous travel, power outages, and widespread school closures. These events underscore the immediate challenges posed by severe winter weather.

  • Resource Value: From a resource perspective, snowpack is a vital source of fresh water, particularly in western U.S. regions. Satellite monitoring helps in predicting water availability.

  • Long-Term Environmental Changes: Broader analyses of land cover changes, which include shifts in snow and ice extent, are part of ongoing scientific research. This perspective often examines trends over longer periods.

Conclusion

Satellite imagery and data from instruments like VIIRS and MODIS provide a consistent and objective record of snow and ice cover across North America and the Northern Hemisphere. These observations are vital for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and water resource management. The documented instances of widespread snow and ice demonstrate the significant impact of winter weather events, highlighting both the challenges they present and their role in the Earth's systems. Continued monitoring through these remote sensing technologies is essential for a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do satellites see snow and ice?
Satellites use special cameras that see how much light snow and ice reflect. This is different from other things like clouds or land.
Q: Why is this snow and ice data important?
This information helps scientists understand weather, predict water from melting snow, and track changes in the environment.
Q: Did many places have snow recently?
Yes, recent reports show large areas of the United States had significant snow and ice. Some places had record amounts.
Q: Can satellites see snow in different countries?
Yes, satellites can see snow and ice cover not just in North America, but also across the whole Northern Hemisphere.