Soil Temperature Information

NDAWN has three types of soil sensors:

1. Bare/Turf Soil: measures temperature at 4" depth beneath bare ground or turf cover with either thermocouples or thermistors, typically to the south of the station
2. CS655 Soil Sensors: measures temperature and volumetric water content with CS655 soil probes at depths of 2", 4", 8", 20", and 40" beneath turf cover, typically to the northwest of the station
3. Deep Soil Probe: measures temperature with thermocouples at 14 depths from 5cm to 225cm beneath turf cover, typically to the northeast of the station

Temperatures at similar depths may vary between the three sensors due to varying sensor types and location of installation. Although we aim to have uniformity in station installation, variations are inevitable. Vegetation type and height, soil moisture, and snow cover all impact the temperature profile of the soil and can vary around the station. During the spring thaw and winter freeze-up the differences are most pronounced as snow, ice, standing water, and thawed ground all occur in near proximity to each other. Newer stations are also more prone to discrepancies in soil data until a uniform vegetative cover is established.