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it is nice and quiet down here in the basement
How do you estimate the temperature 20 feet belowground?
- Thread starter marcus
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- Estimate Temperature
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SUMMARY
Estimating the temperature 20 feet below ground involves understanding the relationship between surface temperatures and soil properties. Surface temperatures are typically one season out of phase with air temperatures, with maximum ground temperatures occurring in the fall. At a depth of approximately 7 meters (20 feet), the temperature is about three seasons out of phase with air temperatures, influenced by soil density and type. The most accurate method to determine underground temperature is by using a thermometer.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of soil density and type
- Knowledge of seasonal temperature variations
- Familiarity with thermometers and their usage
- Basic principles of heat propagation in soil
- Research soil thermal properties and their impact on temperature estimation
- Learn about seasonal temperature variations and their effects on subsurface temperatures
- Explore different types of thermometers suitable for underground temperature measurement
- Investigate methods for measuring soil density and its influence on heat transfer
Geologists, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in subsurface temperature analysis will benefit from this discussion.
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Integral
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If I recall correctly, surface temperatures are one season out of phase with air temperature. So the maximum ground temps occur in the fall, having been heated by the long days all summer. When day lengths fall below 12 hrs the ground begins to radiate more energy at night then it gains during the day. Given that you should be able to see what is happening on the surface.
At some depth there are several factors at work. Soil density and type determine the rate of heat propagation, surface temperatures set the scale. A general rule of thumb is ~2m of depth is like a season so you will see further damped seasonal variations with depth. At 20ft ~7m your temperature should be about 3 seasons out of phase with the air, but at that depth the variations will be pretty small. The absolute temperature will depend on the absolute difference in your local air temperature over the year and the soil type.
Now knowing all of this it is safe to say that the best way to determine your temperature is with a thermometer!
At some depth there are several factors at work. Soil density and type determine the rate of heat propagation, surface temperatures set the scale. A general rule of thumb is ~2m of depth is like a season so you will see further damped seasonal variations with depth. At 20ft ~7m your temperature should be about 3 seasons out of phase with the air, but at that depth the variations will be pretty small. The absolute temperature will depend on the absolute difference in your local air temperature over the year and the soil type.
Now knowing all of this it is safe to say that the best way to determine your temperature is with a thermometer!
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