USING LEAF TEMPERATURE DATA TO UNDERSTAND VEGETATION-MICROCLIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

摘要

This paper will describe a series of field surveys where leaf surface temperatures were collected from several trees and large plants and analyzed in relation to weather data and surface temperatures of non-transpiring surfaces. One purpose of the experiments was to determine whether transpirational cooling could be detected using simple tools and techniques. Another aim was to assemble a more detailed and complete picture of how individual plants interact with and influence their thermal environment. The tests showed evidence of evaporative heat loss in the sun exposed leaves of the plant canopies studied.