How Surface Material Affects Ground Temperature

Abstract ―​

Urban areas often become significantly warmer than surrounding natural landscapes because materials like asphalt and concrete absorb more heat than grass or soil. This study investigates how different ground surfaces on a school campus affect surface temperature on a sunny afternoon. Using a digital thermometer, temperatures were measured at multiple locations representing four surface types: asphalt, concrete, grass, and bare soil. Three to five readings were taken at each site and averaged to reduce random error. Results showed that asphalt had the highest average surface temperature, followed by concrete, bare soil, and grass, which was the coolest. The temperature difference between the hottest and coolest surfaces was large enough to influence local comfort, energy use, and microclimate conditions. These findings illustrate a small-scale example of the urban heat island effect and suggest that increasing green spaces and using lighter or more reflective materials could help reduce heat exposure in school environments.