Abstract
This paper introduces a remote sensing based snowmelt model and its coupling with a metrological based distributed hydrological model in the Upper Yellow River Basin in China. Until the availability of earth resources satellites, no really efficient way of obtaining snow-covered area existed. This situation is more severe in inaccessible rugged mountainous regions. Snowcover is important hydrological phenomenon and it is clearly discernible using satellite-obtained optical data because of high albedo of snow. Present study is to estimate snow cover quantitatively on a catchment scalefrom satellite remote sensing data along with ground-based metrological and hydrological data. Its suitability to snowmelt runoff forecasting has been investigated. This may contribute to management and utilization of water resources in remote and less developed areas.
