Development and validation of a snow albedo algorithm for the MODIS instrument

Abstract A prototype snow albedo algorithm has been developed for the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). It complements existing MODIS products by providing albedo measurements for areas mapped as snow on a global daily basis by MODIS. Cloud detection and atmospheric correction are accomplished using existing MODIS products. Models of the bidirectional reflectance of snow created using a discrete-ordinate radiative transfer (DISORT) model are used to correct for anisotropic scattering effects over non-forested surfaces. Initial algorithm validation is undertaken through comparisons with broadband albedo measurements made at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Surface Radiation Budget Network (SURFRAD) site in Fort Peck, MT. In situ SURFRAD albedo measurements are compared to daily MODIS snow albedo retrievals for the period 21–26 November 2000 created from five narrow-to-broadband albedo conversion schemes. The prototype MODIS algorithm produces reasonable broadband albedo estimates. Maximum daily differences between the five MODIS broadband albedo retrievals and in situ albedo are 15%. Daily differences between the best MODIS broadband estimate and the measured SURFRAD albedo are 1–8%. However, no single conversion scheme consistently provides the closest albedo estimate. Further validation and algorithm development using data from North America and Greenland is ongoing.