Abstract

SYNOPSIS This paper describes the results of experimental studies conducted in Houston, Texas from June 1997 to May 1998 to determine seasonal variations of subsurface ground temperature. The results indicate that the average ambient temperature is 89.31°F (31.84°C) in summer (June–October), and 63.93°F (17.74°C) in winter (November–February). The ground temperature at depths greater than 10 feet remains relatively constant through the year. At a depth of 10 feet (3.04 m), the average ground temperature is 75.12°F (23.96°C) in summer and 75.87°F (24.37°C) in winter. The observed temperature differential between the ambient and the ground temperature at 10 feet is 8–17°F (4.4–9.4°C). The temperature differential suggests that there is potential for pre-heating and pre-cooling the ambient air used in conditioning commercial and institutional buildings. The least square fit equations to project average monthly subsurface ground temperatures are presented.

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