9 Move x axis; make graph easier to read

 

Step 1

Making use of the previous section, complete the graph to make a chart of the Near Surface Temperature at 640m.  When complete, the graph should look like the one below.

Question 1. The temperatures of the burned and unburned areas were very similar in the fall. Why do you think the temperatures were so similar?

Roll-over for Answer:

It could be due to snow acting as an insulating layer and/or the surface organic layer not being disturbed during the fire.

Question 2. In the spring the burned area warmed up much faster than the unburned area.  Approximately what day did the warming begin? 

Roll-over for Answer:

May 9th.

Question 3. What was the highest temperature that summer and what day did it occur?

Roll-over for Answer:

It was 15.5C in the burned area on July 9th.  (It is helpful to use the graph to find the approximate time and temperature. Then refer to data to find the exact time and temp.)

Question 4. What was the temperature in the unburned area that day?

Roll-over for Answer:

It was 4.7C.

Question 5. Why do you think the burned area warmed more quickly and to a higher temperature?

Roll-over for Answer:

Answers will vary. Possible answers could include 1)the reduced albedo in the burned area absorbed more heat or 2) if the organic layer in the burned area was disturbed, once the snow melted the temperatures would increase at a faster rate since the insulating layer was not present.

---