Background
The European Space Agency (ESA) is organising an Advanced Training Course on Land Remote Sensing with the focus on Snow and Glaciers in collaboration with the University of Innsbruck. This course is dedicated to train the next generation of Earth Observation (EO) scientists and experts, working in the domains of snow and glaciers, in using data from Copernicus Sentinels and other satellite missions for science and applications development. The course is part of the EO Science for Society element of ESA’s FutureEO programme.
Objectives
The Advanced Training Course on Land Remote Sensing for Snow and Glaciers aims at:
- Training the next generation of scientists and professionals in remote sensing of snow and glaciers
- Explaining the theoretical principles, processing algorithms and data products from multiple sources including optical, thermal and microwave
- Stimulating the use of EO in the domains of water cycle science, water management and hazards e.g. floods
Topics
The training will include theory and hands-on sessions on the following topics:
- Introduction to status of relevant missions including Sentinels in operation and under development
- Introduction to optical and SAR remote sensing of snow and glaciers
- Snow monitoring:
Snow extent
Albedo and grain size
Snow depth and water equivalent
Snow liquid water content (wet snow)
- Glacier monitoring:
Glacier outline and debris
Elevation changes
Flow velocity and glacier dynamics
- Alpine/mountain regions hydrology
- Multisource data analysis
- In-situ data collection and preparation
- Training on the use of SNAP toolbox
Participation
The 5-day course will be held from 16 to 20 September 2024 at the University of Innsbruck (Campus “Universitätsstraße” – Sowi), Austria. Postgraduate, PhD students, post-doctoral research scientists and professionals from European countries and Canada interested in the applications of Earth Observation for Snow and Glaciers are welcome to apply for the course. Research scientists, students, EO professionals from all other countries are also welcome to apply, subject to availability of space.
