Abstract

This study develops a method for characterizing snow climatology in the Andes Mountains using the 8-day maximum binary snow cover product from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer sensor. The objectives are to: (1) identify regions with similar snow patterns and (2) identify snow persistence zones within these regions. Within a study area between 8 degrees and 39 degrees S, snow regions are defined using the (1) minimum elevation of snow cover, (2) rate of change of snow persistence with elevation, and (3) timing of the minimum elevation snow cover. In tropical latitudes (8 degrees-23 degrees S), snow cover is constrained to high elevations (>5000 m), and these areas have steep changes in snow persistence with elevation. Minimal differences in the elevation of snow on the east and west sides of the range suggest that temperature is a primary control on snow presence. Snow cover has minimal seasonal variability in the Tropics between 8 degrees and 14 degrees S, but it peaks in austral fall (March) after the wet season from 14 degrees to 23 degrees S. In mid-latitudes (south of 23 degrees S) snowline decreases in elevation with increasing latitude, and snow persistence changes with elevation are more gradual than in tropical regions. Snow cover peaks in the austral winter throughout the mid-latitudes. Differences in elevations of snow accumulation between the east and west sides of the Andes are greatest between 28 degrees and 37 degrees S, where high mountain peaks produce a strong orographic effect and precipitation shadow. Within the snow regions, four snow zones are defined based on the average fraction of the year that snow persists: (1) little or no snow, (2) intermittent, (3) seasonal, and (4) permanent snow zones. Tropical latitudes have snow cover only on the highest peaks. Areas of seasonal and permanent snow zones are greatest between latitudes 28 degrees and 37 degrees S as a result of higher precipitation than mountains further north and higher elevations than mountains further south.