Student Research Reports

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The relationship between various surface temperatures and cloud coverage is essential for schools that value outdoor activities to understand fully. These researchers collected surface temperature data using the Etekcity Lasergrip 774 Infrared Thermometer and cloud coverage data using the GLOBE Observer app cloud protocols. This data allowed the researchers to assess how different cloud conditions, seasons, and different surface types (natural grass, synthetic turf, and asphalt track) affect surface temperatures. A negative correlation was found between cloud coverage and surface temperature, a higher percentage of cloud cover resulted in lower surface temperatures. The researchers found that the different surface types had different heat retention, the track; which is made of asphalt, usually had the highest temperatures, while the synthetic grass on the turf had lower temperatures than the band practice field; made of natural grass, which consistently had higher temperatures in comparison to the turf. Different seasons led to different results; In the summer there was less cloud coverage, leading to an increased surface temperature, and in the fall there was a higher percentage of cloud coverage which led to lower temperatures. The researchers highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between cloud coverage and surface temperature on student practice fields for the safest and most comfortable conditions.