Abstract
In previous chapters we treated the temperature of a system (e.g. leaf or animal) as constant by assuming that input terms in the heat balance exactly balanced output terms. This situation is rare in natural environments. This chapter considers the equations that describe how a system responds thermally to changes in external temperature. The time constant of the system describes the rate at which the system temperature adjusts to an external change. Equations are derived for general cases such as step changes of external temperature, ramp changes, and harmonic changes. Examples discussed include responses of leaves, animals, and streams. Heat flow in the soil is analyzed in terms of the thermal properties of soil components. The influence of soil moisture on soil thermal conductivity and diffusivity is explained. Formal analysis of heat flow in soil is developed for the case of uniform soil composition with depth, allowing discussion of diurnal and annual changes of soil temperature and soil heat flux with depth. The chapter concludes with discussion of methods of modifying the heat flow in soils.
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