Author Archives: peggy

2008 IPY Pole-to-Pole Videoconference

I’m going to interrupt blogging about surprising liquid puddles and soil temperature to talk about the Second Pole-to-Pole Videoconference, which took place yesterday (8 April 2008). Several scientists participated, as did five schools: in Ushuaia, Argentina, the Escuela Provincial No. … Continue reading

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Puddles and Soil Temperature, Part 4: Cool soil in the summertime

During the summer, abundant sunshine during the long days heats up the ground near the surface. I’ve seen surface temperatures on dry ground up to 50°C in the south-central Great Plains of the United States. If you’ve dug a hole … Continue reading

Posted in Atmosphere, Backyard Science, Hydrology, Land Cover, Soil | 1 Comment

Puddles and Soil Temperature. Part 3. Why didn’t the puddle freeze?

Based on the last two blogs, the evidence seems strong that the puddle was being fed by liquid water coming from underground springs. A colleague of mine, Kristina Katsaros, pointed out that even a spring-fed puddle might have frozen under … Continue reading

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Puddles and Soil Temperature, Part 2: Why is the water feeding the puddle not frozen?

This is the second in a series about an unusual winter puddle in Columbia, Missouri. Recall from last time that I mentioned that the water feeding the puddle would be coming to the surface from under the ground – either … Continue reading

Posted in Atmosphere, Backyard Science, Hydrology, Soil | 2 Comments

Puddles and Soil Temperature, Part I: Liquid puddles on a cold winter day

Mostly written 21 February 2008, from Columbia, Missouri, USA The temperature for the last few days has been below -5°C (about 20°F). The wind on my daily walks is cold but invigorating. So, I was surprised yesterday when we drove … Continue reading

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