Photon Phriday' Digs Deep for Western U.S. SnowEx Campaign

The video discusses a campaign to study the seasonal snowpack across the western US using Icet 2 data. It explains how photon measurements are used to determine snow depth by comparing elevations of bare ground and snow-covered surfaces. The importance of snow in providing water, hydropower, and cooling the planet is highlighted, emphasizing the need to understand snow distribution and characteristics.

Which states are mentioned as part of the snowpack study campaign?

• Texas, Nevada, and Utah

• New York, Florida, and Georgia

• Oregon, Washington, and Alaska

• Colorado, Idaho, and California

What does each dot in the ICESat-2 data figure represent?

• A snowflake

• A photon measured by ICESat-2

• A satellite

• A snowman

How do scientists determine snow depth using ICESat-2 data?

• By analyzing the color of the snow

• By counting the number of snowflakes

• By comparing summer and winter elevation measurements

• By measuring the temperature of the snow

What role does snow play in the environment?

• It is used for building roads

• It is a source of pollution

• It increases global warming

• It provides water and supports agriculture

Why is understanding snow distribution important?

• To reduce the number of snowstorms

• To improve skiing conditions

• To manage water resources and energy feedback

• To increase snowfall