Analysis of the Temporal and Spatial Variations of Snow Cover over the Tibetan Plateau Based on MODIS

A study is presented of the spatial distribution,seasonal and inter-annual variability of snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau from 2000 to 2005,and their relation to corresponding temperature and precipitation.The data used consist of MODIS 8-day snow cover extent chart and the daily temperature and precipitation data from meteorological stations.The distribution of the snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau is far from uniformity.In the peripheral high mountains snow cover distributes extensively and has a long duration,but in the vast interior it is rare or even thin.The duration of snow cover in the Tibetan Plateau is from October to May of the next year.Inter-annual change of snow cover is evident during 2000-2005.The Plateau snow cover extent slowly increases in summer and autumn,but decreases in winter and spring.Temperature and precipitation are the main factors affecting the change of snow cover in the Tibetan Plateau.In winter,precipitation has more significant effect on snow cover extent than temperature does.But in spring,temperature has more important impact on snow cover.