Detection of Snow Surface Thawing and Refreezing Using Satellite Data: Implications for Reindeer Herding

Snow conditions play an important role for reindeer herding. In particular, the formation of ice crusts after rain-on-snow (ROS) events or general surface thawing with subsequent refreezing impedes foraging. Such events can be monitored using satellite data. A monitoring scheme has been developed for observation at the circumpolar scale based on data from the active microwave sensor Seawinds QuikScat (Ku-band) which is sensitive to changes on the snow surface. Most events occur in November and April in Northern Eurasia. Ice layers in late winter have an especially negative effect on reindeer as they are already weakened. An example for implications on reindeer herding on the Yamal peninsula is presented.