Evaluation of the applicability of the CRA40/Land reanalysis data to the snow cover areas of the Xinjiang region, China

Accurate snow cover data are vital for climate change and water cycle studies, but snow parameter retrieval and phase identification remain challenging in complex terrain. Reanalysis data offer snow cover information, but their regional applicability needs assessment. This study compares CRA40/Land (SCP, snow parameters, snow depth) with MODIS and ground measurements in Xinjiang. Key findings: (1) CRA40/Land correlates well with MODIS on SCP (R > 0.9), but overestimates coverage (MBE = 1.98%, RMSE = 6.07%). (2) CRA40/Land (45.02%) matches MODIS (38.49%) in stable snow cover distribution but covers more area. Its snow phenology aligns better with MODIS at low elevations. (3) CRA40/Land shows high snow depth accuracy (R = 0.72, MBE = -2.76 cm, RMSE = 11.93 cm).