Theoretical determination of the surface energy balance and thermal regimes of bare soils

An analytical theory that determines the thermal regimes in the soil and the thermal and moisture regimes in the atmosphere for bare surfaces is derived. Both soil and atmospheric thermal properties are assumed to be power functions of depth and height, respectively. Evaporation is determined using a surface resistance to vapour flow. Fourier superposition is used to represent nonsinusoidal variations in time due to effects such as variable cloud cover. The theory is in acceptable agreement with micrometeorological measurements made at two bare soil sites of contrasting surface bulk density. It is concluded that the surface resistance model for evaporation is applicable to bare soils which remain wet at depth, particularly if their surface is loosened. The theory is used to predict the diurnal thermal regimes of saturated and dry sand, loam, and peat soils.