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Published on: January 7, 2017
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The thermal conductivity of leaves
1Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 92182, San Diego, California, USA.
Planta
|January 18, 2014
Summary
Leaf thermal conductivity was measured for several evergreen species. Results show higher values than previously reported, suggesting minimal temperature differences across leaf surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Thermal Physics
Background:
- Understanding leaf thermal properties is crucial for plant survival and function.
- Previous studies reported low thermal conductivity values for leaves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the thermal conductivity of various fresh leaf types.
- To compare measured values with existing literature.
- To assess potential temperature gradients across leaf surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Thermal conductivity was measured using a silver plate apparatus.
- Samples of fresh and water-infiltrated leaves were tested.
- Boil-off time of a constant liquid volume determined conductivity.
Main Results:
- Mean thermal conductivity ranged from 0.268 to 0.573 W/m·°C for fresh leaves.
- Water-infiltrated leaves showed values between 0.540 and 0.548 W/m·°C.
- Measured values were significantly higher than previously reported.
Conclusions:
- Fresh leaves exhibit higher thermal conductivity than previously assumed.
- Mesophytic and xerophytic leaves are unlikely to develop significant surface temperature gradients.
- These findings have implications for understanding heat transfer in plant canopies.
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