Abstract
Measurements in The Netherlands show that in the winter (Dec.–March) solar radiation measured perpendicular to the solar beam can be quite strong. Consequently, high surface temperatures can occur on suitably exposed, dark surfaces of low thermal conductivity. In December, the surface temperature on the bark of old pine trees was found to be up to 28°C above the ambient air temperature. In February, the excess temperatures of pine bark reached as high as 37°C. The temperatures of steeply south-exposed pine litter were even somewhat higher. South-exposed edges of pinewoods and similar situations are especially favourable due to the wind shelter and extra radiation gain they provide. In February, ants were found to bask in clusters attaining temperatures of as much as 20°C above that of ambient air. Basking vipers attained excess temperatures of 25°C.
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Stoutjesdijk, P. High surface temperatures of trees and pine litter in the winter and their biological importance. Int J Biometeorol 21, 325–331 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01555192
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01555192