Ground Temperature Measurements Computer P3 Throughout the daylight hours the sun heats up the air and the soil. Project 1 in this manual investigates the changes in air temperature during this process. It also investigates the changes in temperature during the nighttime hours. In this experiment you will perform a similar investigation, however you will investigate the changes in soil temperatures, at different depths in the ground. OBJECTIVES In this experiment, you will Use Temperature Probes to collect and analyze ground temperature measurements for 23 hours. Collect temperature measurements at different depths in the ground, 1 cm below the surface and 10 cm below the surface. MATERIALS computer Vernier LabPro PRE-LAB QUESTIONS Logger Pro 2 Vernier Temperature Probe 1. Check your local forecast to determine the expected high and low temperatures for tomorrow. Enter those temperatures in C in the data table. 2. Calculate the expected temperature range (High Temperature Low Temperature) and enter it in the data table. 3. Do you expect the ground temperature to get as high as the maximum air temperature? 4. Would you expect the ground temperature to get as low as the minimum air temperature? 5. How would you expect depth in the ground to affect the temperature measurements? For example would you expect the temperature deeper in the ground to always be colder than the temperature closer to the surface? Would it always be warmer? Evaluation copy Earth Science with Vernier P3-1
Computer P3 Figure 1 PROCEDURE Note: You must use Logger Pro software and a LabPro to collect data remotely. Logger Lite and Go! products do not support remote data collection. Day 1 1. Connect the temperature probes to LabPro and make sure that fresh batteries have been installed. Start Logger Pro and open the file P3 Ground Temperature from the Earth Science with Vernier folder. 2. Choose Remote LabPro Setup from the Experiment menu. A summary of your setup will be displayed. 3. Disconnect the computer cable from LabPro. Important Note: Be very careful not to press the START/STOP button on LabPro until you are ready to begin collecting data. 4. Carry the LabPro, temperature probes, and metal rod outside. Choose a location that will be in the shade throughout the daylight hours. Push the tip of Temperature Probe 1 one cm into the ground. Push the tip of Temperature Probe 2 ten cm into the ground. 5. Press the START/STOP button to start data collection. Record the time of day to the nearest hour in the data table. Enter the time using a clock format of hour and AM or PM, for example 11:00 AM. Day 2 6. At the end of 23 hours, collect the LabPro and sensors and take them back to the computer. Note: Do not attach LabPro to the computer until Step 8. 7. Start Logger Pro and open the file, P3 Ground Temperature. 8. Reattach LabPro to the computer. If a Remote Data Available window appears, simply click the YES button and choose to retrieve remote data into the current file. If a window does not appear when the interface is reconnected, choose Remote Retrieve Remote Data from the Experiment menu. P3-2 Earth Science with Vernier
Ground Temperature Measurements DATA Forecast Temperatures Expected High Temperature ( C) Expected Low Temperature ( C) Temperature Probe 1 (1 cm Below the Surface of the Ground) High Temperature ( C) Low Temperature ( C) Temperature Probe 2 (10 cm Below the Surface of the Ground) High Temperature ( C) Low Temperature ( C) PROCESSING THE DATA 1. Examine the data pairs on the graph. Determine the high and low temperatures for both temperature probes. Record each of these values in the data table. 2. (Optional) Print or sketch this graph. Label the axes and the plot for each temperature probe. 3. Calculate the temperature range (High Temperature Low Temperature) for each temperature probe and enter the results in the data table. 4. Describe in one or two paragraphs the results of this experiment. The following will help you prepare your answer. Compare the high and low temperatures of Temperature Probe 1 to Temperature Probe 2. Compare the range of predicted air temperature to the ranges of the ground temperatures. Of the ground temperature measurements, which range was the greatest? Which range was smallest? Earth Science with Vernier P3-3
Computer P3 EXTENSIONS 1. Repeat the experiment but set it up to collect data for three days. Compare the data from one day to the next. Find when maximum and minimum temperatures occur at each depth. Do they occur at the same time? 2. Repeat the same experiment but add a third temperature probe to measure air temperature in addition to ground temperature. Describe any patterns that you observe. 3. Repeat this experiment at different times of the year. If you live in a snowy climate, you may want to repeat the experiment when snow is on the ground. 4. Compare results for different types of soil or different ground coverings. P3-4 Earth Science with Vernier
Vernier Lab Safety Instructions Disclaimer THIS IS AN EVALUATION COPY OF THE VERNIER STUDENT LAB. This copy does not include: Safety information Essential instructor background information Directions for preparing solutions Important tips for successfully doing these labs The complete Earth Science with Vernier lab manual includes 33 labs, 6 projects, and essential teacher information. The full lab book is available for purchase at: http://www.vernier.com/cmat/esv.html Vernier Software & Technology 13979 S.W. Millikan Way Beaverton, OR 97005-2886 Toll Free (888) 837-6437 (503) 277-2299 FAX (503) 277-2440 info@vernier.com www.vernier.com