At night, the surface of the earth cools, mostly by radiation. The surface radiates energy upward; the much cooler sky above radiates much less. Patches of ground under trees can stay warmer, which is why, if you live somewhere that has cold, clear nights, you may have noticed some mornings when there is frost on open patches of ground but not under trees. Why does being under a tree keep the ground warmer?

An Introduction to Physical Science
14th Edition
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Chapter5: Temperature And Heat
Section: Chapter Questions
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At night, the surface of the earth cools, mostly by radiation. The surface radiates energy upward; the much cooler sky above radiates much less. Patches of ground under trees can stay warmer, which is why, if you live somewhere that has cold, clear nights, you may have noticed some mornings when there is frost on open patches of ground but not under trees. Why does being under a tree keep the ground warmer? 

 

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