Validation of a Model of the Effect of Tundra Vegetation on Soil Temperatures

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Abstract
A model of physical processes of heat transfer through vegetation canopies and soil was developed for the tundra and tested with data from the wet coastal tundra near Point Barrow, Alaska [USA]. The total leaf area index of the canopy was varied by clipping and adding dead material to different plots. Air and soil temperatures were monitored continuously in the growing season to validate the model. Calculated air and soil temperatures were within 1.degree. C of the measured temperatures through the profiles. Calculated and observed depths of thaw were within 0.01 m through the season. Deviations were greatest during a period of snow. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the important variables and processes, many difficult to measure, are those relating to evaporation fromthe wet moss surface under the canopy.

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