Abstract
IN any micro-meteorological study or heat economy survey, the measurement of the conducted flux of heat at, or below, the Earth's surface is important. The two methods normally used to achieve this either involve measuring the temperature gradient if the thermal conductivity can be accurately established, or insertion of a heat flux meter, the basis of which is the measurement of temperature gradient across a thin slab of material of known conductivity. The accuracy of heat flux meters is limited unless the effective conductivity of the device used matches that of the medium in which the flow of conducted heat is being measured. For example, in using a flux meter with square horizontal surfaces with a width to thickness ratio of 12 : 1, a 20 per cent mismatch in conductivities results in an approximately 5 per cent error in indication.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Schwerdtfeger, P., J. Glaciol., 4, No. 36 (1963).
Schwerdtfeger, P., and Pounder, E. R., Intern. Assoc. Sci. Hydrology, Pub. No. 61, 109 (1963).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
SCHWERDTFEGER, P. Measurement of Conducted Flow of Heat in a Sea Ice Cover. Nature 200, 769 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/200769a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/200769a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.