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?

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
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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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