Method of Measuring Mean Temperatures in the Field

Many aspects of microclimate (avalanche control, reforestation, timberline ecology, fire conditions) can be studied to best advantage if mean air and soil temperatures are available for many different sites in a given locality. Ordinary methods of instrumentation for collecting mean temperature data, such as thermographs or recording thermometers, are complex and costly when used for simultaneous measurements at many different sites. The chemical method described below utilizes a small, simple and inexpensive sensing element which permits widespread temperature observations with minimum cost and effort. 10P.