New Optional Soil and Air Temp Data Logger Protocol

Have you ever wondered how hibernating animals survive the winter in their burrows or why a cement walkway feels so cold in the morning? Studies of diurnal soil and air temperature records can help you answer both questions. Daily soil temperature data collected using the current GLOBE Soil Temperature protocol are important for research but measurements taken many times each day and at 50 cm depth in addition to 5 cm and 10 cm open many additional areas of investigation.

Starting today, GLOBE is expanding its soil and air temperature measurement capabilities by announcing the optional Automated Soil and Air Temperature Monitoring Protocol. This protocol allows for the collection of soil and air temperatures every 15 minutes using a small but capable data logger.

This data logger is like a mini computer and is as small as a deck of cards. It is programmed to read and store temperature readings again and again. In this new protocol, you will use the data logger to record air temperature and soil temperatures from depths of 5, 10 and 50 cm. A recent reduction in cost has made this powerful technology affordable for some schools.

One potential benefit of data loggers is that they will enable more schools to collect temperature data more consistently because loggers can collect data for weeks at a time, during periods when students are unable to collect data manually. It is important to stress that this protocol does not replace any existing measurements. Like any instrument, the data logger and sensors are susceptible to carelessness and physical degradation, although they are designed to provide years of service. GLOBE relies on the student-collected direct observations as the calibration and standard against which we will judge the stability and accuracy of the automated measurements.

Scientists strive to understand patterns and trends in data. This new protocol will give scientists and students access to a much richer and more detailed view of the interactions between soil and air temperature at GLOBE study sites around the world. In addition, schools may be able to collect data from remote sites by using data loggers. Data can be collected for weeks during times when no one is able to physically visit such sites.

To find out more about the new Automated Soil and Air Temperature Monitoring Protocol, check out this link. I look forward to answering your questions about this new protocol and to seeing the wealth of data that some schools will provide.

Dr. Jim Washburne