Surface and Atmospheric Temperatures Vary Over Different Land Use Areas

Surface and Atmospheric Temperatures Vary Over Different Land Use Areas: Surface temperatures vary more than air temperatures during the day, but they both are fairly similar at night. The dip and spike in surface temperatures over the pond show how water maintains a fairly constant temperature day and night, due to its high heat capacity. The temperatures displayed do not represent absolute temperature values. Temperatures will fluctuate based on factors such as seasons, weather conditions, sun intensity, and ground cover.

Credit: Figure courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . http://www.epa.gov/