A mathematical model study was made to compare simulated soil temperature variations with a field situation. The study involved the use of two plots, one of which was cleared of all vegetation and the other left in its natural vegetative state. Each plot was watered at the beginning of three different trial periods and as drying occurred, the following atmospheric parameters were measured on an hourly basis: incoming solar radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, and wind speed. The above parameters provided input for solution of the energy budget equation to determine soil surface temperature variation. Using the soil surface temperature variation as an upper boundary condition, and assuming heat movement by conduction, the temperature at 5 cm increments down to 70 cm in the soil was calculated. The two plots provided model testing for a bare soil surface and also for a soil surface beneath a 30 percent and a 40 percent plant cover. Actual and calculated temperature difference was in most cases less than 2°F. The mathematical model is applicable to any area where the above parameters may be monitored.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/190991 |
| Date | January 1972 |
| Creators | Foster, Kennith E.(Kennith Earl) |
| Contributors | Sellers, William D., Fogel, Martin M., Thorud, David B., Qashu, Hasan K., Fye, R. E., Evans, Daniel D. |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic), text |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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