TCAV

The TCAV typically provides the average temperature of the top 6 to 8 cm of soil for energy-balance in flux systems. It parallels four thermocouples together into one 24 AWG wire. Each member of a thermocouple pair can then be buried at a different depth. The two pairs are separated at a distance of up to 1 m.

The TCAV uses type E thermocouples, which are comprised of a chromel wire and a constantan wire joined at a measurement junction. A voltage potential is generated when the measurement end of the thermocouple is at a different temperature than the reference end of the thermocouple. The magnitude of the voltage potential is related to the temperature difference. Therefore, temperature can be determined by measuring the differences in potential created at the junction of the two wires.

A reference temperature measurement is required for thermocouple measurements. The temperature sensor built into many of our data loggers' wiring panel typically provides this measurement.