James M. Brown

Bio: James M. Brown is an academic researcher from North Central College. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wheatstone bridge & Thermometer. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 4 citations.

A Device for Measuring the Average Temperature of Water, Soil, or Air

Abstract: It is possible to directly measure average temperature with a simple electronic circuit and avoid the usual time—consuming arithmetic integration of temperature records. Instructions are given for the construction of an electronic integrating thermometer composed of a thermistor in a simple Wheatstone bridge and a mercury coulometer that provides a direct readout of the average temperature of soil, air, or water over a designated time interval. See full-text article at JSTOR

Some interrelationships between soil and root respiration in lowland calluna heathland in southern england

Abstract: SUMMARY (2) Measurements of soil respiration (from five sites) over a period of a year are examined against a series of regression models. An estimate of root production (c. 400 g m - 2 yr - 1 organic matter) is obtained, and the carbon dioxide evolved from the soil is apportioned to different components of the soil organic matter. Root respiration accounts for up to 70%. of the total soil respiration. (3) Measurement of respiration of washed root material suggests that such treatment produces enhanced values (up to c. five times that estimated from the regression models) in the case of Calluna. (4) The data are examined as a time-sequence, and the development of the soil profile is considered in the light of the findings of other authors. (5) Finally, estimates of production, soil respiration and organic matter accumulation are used to provide a preliminary carbon budget for the heathland soil system.

A field device for integrating temperature sensed in grass or forest fires

Abstract: A device for measuring the integrated temperature sensed by a thermocouple during a grass, forest or other landscape fire is described and its performance evaluated. It consists of a small tube containing an electronic circuit to which is attached a length of thermocouple wire. The tube is buried for the duration of the fire. Principal component of the circuit is an E-cell (or microcoulometer) which when cleared allows calculation of the temperature/time integral. Performance was found to be reliable and accurate: because of its low cost it has widespread application for measuring the temperature in soil, plants or air during fires.