Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2862
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2862
08 Nov 2024
 | 08 Nov 2024

Comparing High-Resolution Snow Mapping Approaches in Palsa Mires: UAS LiDAR vs. Machine Learning

Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard

Abstract. Snow cover has an important role in permafrost processes and dynamics, creating cooling and warming systems, impacting the aggradation and degradation of frozen soil. Despite theoretical, experimental, and remote sensing-based research, comprehensive understanding of small-scaled snow distribution at palsas remains limited. This study compares two approaches to generate spatially continuous, small-scale snow distribution models in palsa mires in northwestern Finland based on Digital Surface Models: a machine learning approach using the Random Forest algorithm with in-situ measured snow depth data and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) equipped with a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor. For the first time, snow distribution was recorded over a palsa using a UAS. The aim is to review which approach is more precise overall and which areas are not represented sufficiently accurate. In comparison to in-situ collected validation data, the machine learning results showed high accuracy, with a RMSE of 6.16 cm and an R2 of 0.98, outperforming the LiDAR-based approach, which had an RMSE of 26.73 cm and an R2 of 0.59. Random Forest models snow distribution significantly better at steep slopes and in vegetated areas. This considerable difference highlights the ability of machine learning to capture fine-scale snow distribution patterns in detail. However, our results indicate that UAS data enables the study of snow and permafrost interaction at a highly detailed level as well.

Generally, snow accumulation zones especially at steep edges of the palsas and inside cracks are recognizable, while thin snow cover occurs at exposed areas on top of the palsas. Correspondingly, areas with thicker snow cover at the edges and inside cracks act as potential warming spots, possibly leading to heavy degradation including block erosion. In contrast, areas with thinner snow cover on the exposed crown parts can act as cooling spots. They initially stabilize the frozen core under the crown parts, but then form steep edges and expose the frozen core, leading finally to even more block erosion and degradation.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Comparing high-resolution snow mapping approaches in palsa mires: UAS lidar vs. modelling
Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard
The Cryosphere, 19, 3949–3970, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-3949-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-3949-2025, 2025
Short summary
Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2862', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Alexander Störmer, 28 Jan 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2862', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Dec 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Alexander Störmer, 28 Jan 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2862', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Alexander Störmer, 28 Jan 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2862', Anonymous Referee #2, 23 Dec 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Alexander Störmer, 28 Jan 2025

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Reconsider after major revisions (further review by editor and referees) (10 Feb 2025) by S. McKenzie Skiles
AR by Alexander Störmer on behalf of the Authors (24 Mar 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (03 Apr 2025) by S. McKenzie Skiles
RR by Anonymous Referee #2 (17 Apr 2025)
RR by Anonymous Referee #3 (13 May 2025)
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (15 May 2025) by S. McKenzie Skiles
AR by Alexander Störmer on behalf of the Authors (22 May 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (09 Jun 2025) by S. McKenzie Skiles
AR by Alexander Störmer on behalf of the Authors (11 Jun 2025)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Comparing high-resolution snow mapping approaches in palsa mires: UAS lidar vs. modelling
Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard
The Cryosphere, 19, 3949–3970, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-3949-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-3949-2025, 2025
Short summary
Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard
Alexander Störmer, Timo Kumpula, Miguel Villoslada, Pasi Korpelainen, Henning Schumacher, and Benjamin Burkhard

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Short summary
Snow has a major impact on palsa development, yet understanding its distribution at small scale remains limited. We used LiDAR UAS and ground truth data in combination with machine learning to model snow distribution at three palsa sites. We identified extremes in snow depth corresponding to palsa topography, providing insights into the influence of snow distribution on their formation. The results demonstrate the applicability of machine learning for modeling snow distribution at a small scale.
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