The dataset of airborne L-band microwave radiometer and thermal imager mission was obtained in the Binggou-A'rou flight zone in the afternoon of Apr. 1, 2008. The frequency of L bands was 1.4 GHz with back sight of 35 degree and dual polarization (H&V) was acquired. The plane took off at Zhangye airport at 12:48 (BJT) and landed at 16:35 along the scheduled lines at the altitude about 5000m and speed about 260km/hr.. The raw data include microwave radiometer (L) data, thermal imager data (7.5-13 um; FOV: 24×18º) and GPS data; the first were instantaneous non-imaging observation recorded in text, which could be converted into brightness temperatures according to the caliberation coefficients (filed with raw data together), and the third are aircraft longitude, latitude and attitude. Moreover, based on the respective real-time clock log, observations by the microwave radiometer and GPS can be integrated to offer coordinates matching for the former. Yaw, flip, and pitch motions of aircraft were ignored due to the low resolution of microwave radiometer observations. Observation information can also be rasterized, as required, after calibration and coordinates matching. L band resolution (x) and footprint can be approximately estimated as x=0.3H (H is relative flight height). The thermal imager was 320*240 pixels and with FOV of 24×18º. The thermal imager data were stored in binary format with a text header file. The recorded value was brightness temperature at sensor with scale and gain parameter recorded in the header file. And the thermal images were not geometrically corrected because there were gaps between sequential images.

The dataset of ground-based microwave scatterometer and snow parameter observations was obtained in the Binggou watershed experimental area on Mar. 16, 2008. Observation items included: (1) Snow backscattering coefficient by the scatterometer (2) Snow parameters as the snow surface temperature by the probe thermometer, snow grain size by the handheld microscope, snow density by the snow shovel, the snow surface temperature and the snow-soil interface temperature by the handheld infrared thermometer in BG-I. (3) The snow spectrum by the portable ASD (Xinjiang Meteorological Administration) at the Dadongshu mountain pass; the major and minor axis and shape of the snow layer grain through the snow sieve. (4) Snow albedo by the total radiometer from 10:29 to 15:00 (5) Snow density, snow complex permittivity, snow volumetric moisture and snow gravimetric moisture by the Snowfork at the Dadongshu mountain pass Two subfolders including raw data and preprocessed data were archived.

The dataset of ground truth measurements synchronizing with MODIS, ALOS PALSAR and AMSR-E was obtained in the Biandukou foci experimental area on May 24, 2008. Observation items included: (1) the surface temperature in No. 1 (grassland), No. 2 (the rape land), No. 3 (the rape land), No. 4 (the wheat land) and No. 5 quadrate (wheat and rape); (2) the soil moisture by WET in No. 2 quadrate; (3) GPR and WET; (4) The spectrum by ASD Fieldspec FRTM (Boulder, Co, USA), 350nm-2500nm, 3nm for the visible near-infrared band and 10nm for the shortwave infrared band). The spectrum data were archived in the ASCII format, with the first five rows as the file header and the following two columns as wavelength (nm) and reflectance (percentage) respectively, and can be opened by .txt or wordpad. The .txt file was not reflectance but intermediate file for further calculation. Raw data were binary files direct from ASD (by ViewSpecPro). The surface radiative temperature and the physical temperature were measured by the handheld infrared thermometer. Besides, the cover type was also recorded. The data can be opened by Microsoft Office. Soil moisture was acquired by WET and the cutting ring. The data can be opened by Microsoft Office. Six data files were included, soil moisture, the surface temperature, GPR, coverage photos and preprocessed data, ground objects spectrum and satellite images.

The dataset of ground truth measurements synchronizing with Terra MISR and MODIS was obtained in sampling plot BG-A of the Binggou watershed foci experimental area on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11, 2007 during the pre-observation period. Observation items included: (1) Snow parameters including the snow surface temperature, the snow-soil interface temperature, the land surface temperature by the handheld infrared thermometer, the snow layer temperature by the probe thermometer, snow depth by the ruler and the snow grain size by the handheld microscope. (2) Snow density in "WATER: Dataset of snow density measurements in the Binggou watershed foci experimental area on Dec. 6 and Dec. 10, 2007 during the pre-observation period" (3) Snow properties in "WATER: Dataset of snow properties measured by the Snowfork in the Binggou watershed foci experimental area during the pre-observation period" Raw data and pre-processed data including snow parameters synchronizing with Terra MISR and MODIS and the temperature synchronizing with MODIS were archived herein.

The dataset of ground truth measurements synchronizing with Envisat ASAR was obtained in No.1 (freeze/thaw status), No. 2 (snow parameters) and No. 3 (freeze/thaw status) quadrates of the A'rou foci experimental areas on Mar. 12, 2008. The Envisat ASAR data were in AP mode and VV/VH polarization combinations, and the overpass time was approximately at 11:29 BJT. The quadrates were divided into 4×4 subsites, with each one spanning a 30×30 m2 plot. Center and corner points of each subsite were chosen for all observations except for the cutting ring measurements which only observed the center points. In No. 1 quadrate, numerous ground data were collected, the soil temperature, soil volumetric moisture, the loss tangent, soil conductivity, and the real part and the imaginary part of soil complex permittivity by the POGO soil sensor, soil volumetric moisture by ML2X, the soil volumetric moisture profile (10cm, 20cm, 30cm, 40cm, 60cm and 100cm) by PR2, the mean soil temperature from 0-5cm by the probe thermometer, soil gravimetric moisture, volumetric moisture, and soil bulk density after drying by the cutting ring (100cm^3). In No. 2 quadrate, simultaneous with ASAR, snow parameters were measured, the snow surface temperature by the thermal infrared probe, the snow layer temperature by the probe thermometer, the snow grain size by the handheld microscope, snow density by the aluminum case, the snow surface temperature and the snow-soil interface temperature by the thermal infrared probe, snow spectrum by ASD, and snow albedo by the total radiometer. In No. 3 quadrate soil volumetric moisture, soil conductivity, the soil temperature, and the real part of soil complex permittivity were measured by WET, the mean soil temperature from 0-5cm by the probe thermometer (5# and 7#), the surface radiative temperature by the hand-held infrared thermometer (5#), and soil gravimetric moisture, volumetric moisture, and soil bulk density after drying by the cutting ring (100cm^3). Surface roughness was detailed in the "WATER: Surface roughness dataset in the A'rou foci experimental area". Besides, GPR (Ground Penetration Radar) observations were also carried out in No. 1 quadrate of A'rou. Those provide reliable ground data for retrieval and verification of soil moisture and freeze/thaw status from active remote sensing approaches.

The dataset of ground truth measurements for snow synchronizing with MODIS was obtained in the Binggou watershed foci experimental area on Mar. 19, 2008. Those provide reliable data for retrieval and verification of the snow temperature through airborne and satellite-borne remote sensing approaches. Observation items included: (1) Snow parameters, such as snow depth by the ruler (five measurements at random each point), the snow surface temperature by the infrared thermometer (several measurements at random), the snow layer temperature by the probe thermometer (10cm as an interval and two times each point), the snow grain size by the handheld microscope (10cm as an interval and three times each point) in BG-B from 12:40-13:00 (BJT) with the satellite overpass on Mar. 19, 2008. 64 points were selected by four groups. (2) Snow density, snow complex permittivity, snow volumetric moisture and snow gravimetric moisture by the Snowfork in BG-A,automatically in coordination with ASD. (3) The snow spectrum by the portable ASD. (4) Snow albedo by the portable radiometer in BG-A. Two files including raw data and preprocessed data were archived.

The dataset of automatic meteorological observations was obtained at the Dayekou Guantan forest station (E100°15′/N38°32′, 2835m), south of Zhangye city, Gansu province, from Oct. 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2009. Guantan forest station was dominated by the 15-20m high spruce and the surface was covered by 10cm deep moss. All the vegetation was in good condition. Observation items were the multilayer (2m and 10m) wind speed and direction, the air temperature and moisture, rain and snow gauges, snow depth, photosynthetically active radiation, four components of radiation from two layers (, 1.68m and 19.75 m), stem sap flow, the surface temperature, the multi-layer soil temperature (5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 40cm, 80cm and 120cm),soil moisture (5cm, 10cm, 20cm, 40cm, 80cm and 120cm) and soil heat flux (5cm & 15cm). As for detailed information, please refer to Meteorological and Hydrological Flux Data Guide.

The dataset of precipitation and canopy interception observations was obtained in the Pailugou watershed foci experimental area from Jul. 4 to Sep. 28, 2007, and May 8 to Sep. 27, 2008, respectively. 18 interception slots were set in three plots and the detailed information was as follows: Plot number slot number in the Qinghai spruce forest Ⅰ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Ⅱ 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Ⅲ A, B, C, D, E, F Observation items included controlled rainfall, the forest throughfall, the stem flow and the moss and litter interception barrel throughfall.

The dataset of ground truth measurements synchronizing with Envisat ASAR was obtained in in No. 2 and 3 quadrates of the A'rou foci experimental areas on Mar. 15, 2008. The Envisat ASAR data were in AP mode and VV/VH polarization combinations, and the overpass time was approximately at 11:35 BJT. The quadrates were divided into 4×4 subsites, with each one spanning a 30×30 m2 plot. Only corner points of each subsite were chosen for observations. In No. 2 quadrate, simultaneous with the satellite overpass, numerous ground data were collected, the soil temperature, soil volumetric moisture, the loss tangent, soil conductivity, and the real part and the imaginary part of soil complex permittivity by the POGO soil sensor, the mean soil temperature from 0-5cm by the probe thermometer, the surface radiative temperature measured three times by the hand-held infrared thermometer, soil gravimetric moisture, volumetric moisture, and soil bulk density after drying by the cutting ring (100cm^3). In No. 3 quadrate, simultaneous with the satellite overpass, numerous ground data were collected, the soil temperature, soil volumetric moisture, the loss tangent, soil conductivity, and the real part and the imaginary part of soil complex permittivity by the POGO soil sensor, soil volumetric moisture by ML2X, the mean soil temperature from 0-5cm by the probe thermometer, the surface radiative temperature measured three times by the hand-held infrared thermometer, soil gravimetric moisture, volumetric moisture, and soil bulk density after drying by the cutting ring (100cm^3). Surface roughness was detailed in the "WATER: Surface roughness dataset in the A'rou foci experimental area". Besides, GPR (Ground Penetration Radar) observations were also carried out in No. 1 quadrate of A'rou. Those provide reliable ground data for retrieval and validation of soil moisture and freeze/thaw status from active remote sensing approaches.

The dataset of ground truth measurements synchronizing with Envisat ASAR was obtained in No. 1 and 2 quadrates of the A'rou foci experimental area on Oct. 18, 2007 during the pre-observation period. The Envisat ASAR data were in AP mode and VV/VH polarization combinations, and the overpass time was approximately at 11:17 BJT. Both the quadrates were divided into 3×3 subsites, with each one spanning a 30×30 m2 plot. 25 sampling points were chosen, including centers and corners of each subsites. Simultaneous with the satellite overpass, numerous ground data were collected, soil volumetric moisture, soil conductivity, the soil temperature, and the real part of soil complex permittivity by the WET soil moisture sensor; the surface radiative temperature by the hand-held infrared thermometer; soil gravimetric moisture, volumetric moisture, and soil bulk density after drying by the cutting ring (100cm^3). Meanwhile, vegetation parameters as height, coverage and water content were also observed. Surface roughness was detailed in the "WATER: Surface roughness dataset in the A'rou foci experimental area". Those provide reliable ground data for retrieval and validation of soil moisture and freeze/thaw status from active remote sensing approaches.

The dataset of setting of the sampling plots and stripes in the Linze station foci experimental area was as follows: (1) Wulidun farmland quadrates (90m×90m), which was divided into nine subplots (30m×30m). Numbering of Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute was different from that of BNU, in which the former was 1-9 from south to north, and the latter was A-I from north to south. (2) the west-east desert strip, which was composed of 20 neighbouring pairs of subplots (30×30m). They were numbered S0-S20 from the south corner on and N0-N20 from the north corner on; the common corner points in the middle were numbered M0-M20. Corner points were measured during the satellite or airplane overpass. (3) the north-south desert strip, which was composed of nine non-conterminous subplots (40m×40m, numbered from A1-A9) at intervals of 60m. Corner points and center points were measured during the satellite or airplane overpass. (4) three quadrates (30m×30m) of the transit zone, LY06，LY07，LY08 strips. Samples were selected following the zigzag line from the northwest corner and numbered 1-9. (5) the poplar forest (90×90m), which was divided into 9 subplots (30m×30m). (6) 6 desert strips with 17 sample points each. (7) maize plots (3m×3m) inside Linze station. Data including coordinates of each sample point were archived as Excel files.

The dataset of sun photometer observations was obtained in the Yingke oasis and Huazhaizi desert steppe foci experimental areas. 24 times observations were carried out by CE318 from BNU (at 1020nm, 936nm, 870nm, 670nm and 440nm, and column water vapor by 936 nm data) and from Institute of Remote Sensing Applications, CAS (at 1640nm, 1020nm, 936nm, 870nm, 670nm, 550nm, 440nm, 380nm and 340nm, and column water vapor by 936 nm data) on May 20, 23, 25 and 27, Jun. 4, 6, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27 and 29, Jul. 1, 7 and 11, 2008. Those atmospheric measurements synchronized with airborne (i.e. WiDAS, OMIS) and spaceborne sensors (i.e. TM, ASTER,CHRIS and Hyperion) Accuracy of CE318 could be influenced by local air pressure, instrument calibration parameters, and convertion factors. (1) Most air pressure was derived from elevation-related empiricism, which was not reliable. For more accurate result, simultaneous data from the weather station are needed. (2) Errors from instrument calibration parameters. Field calibration based on Langly or interior instrument calibrationcin the standard light is required. (3) Convertion factors for retrieval of aerosol optical depth and the water vapor of the water vapor channel were also from empiricism, and need further checking. Raw data were archived in k7 format and can be opened by ASTPWin. ReadMe.txt is attached for details. Preprocessed data (after retrieval of the raw data) in Excel format are on optical depth, Rayleigh scattering, aerosol optical depth, the horizontal visibility, the near surface air temperature, the solar azimuth, zenith, solar distance correlation factors, and air column mass number. Langley was used for the instrument calibration. Two parts are included in CE318 result data (see Geometric Positions and the Total Optical Depth of Each Channel and Rayleigh Scattering and Aerosol Optical Depth of Each Channel).