Some Characteristics of the Albedo of Snow

Abstract

Spring snowcovers exhibit a substantial contribution of a specular component to their reflection of solar radiation. This anisotropy can be measured with radiometers with small aperture, here with a TIROS radiometer. Indicatrices thus determined are dependent on solar angle. They are of importance for interpreting albedo values and for reducing air- or spaceborne reflectance data taken under distinct nadir angles.