INFLUENCE OF SURFACE CONDITIONS ON GROUND TEMPERATURE

Abstract

Ground temperatures were measured under two parking lots, one of which was cleared of snow in winter, and monthly and annual average surface temperatures were estimated by extrapolation. The surface temperatures were compared with monthly and annual surface and air temperatures measured at a nearby grassed site. A dependence of the difference between the monthly average surface and air temperatures on snow cover and convective loss was observed. A correlation was found to exist between the monthly average of the daily global solar radiation and the difference between monthly average air temperature and monthly average parking lot surface temperature. It was demonstrated that, because of a change in surface conditions, there was a change in annual average ground temperature beneath a parking lot. The observations are discussed with reference to the formation of sporadic permafrost.