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Influence of solar irradiance on underwater temperature recorded by temperature loggers on coral reefs
Author(s) -
Bahr Keisha D.,
Jokiel Paul L.,
Rodgers Ku‘ulei S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography: methods
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.898
H-Index - 72
ISSN - 1541-5856
DOI - 10.1002/lom3.10093
Subject(s) - data logger , reef , environmental science , coral , irradiance , oceanography , coral reef , seawater , solar irradiance , atmospheric sciences , geology , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , operating system
The use of miniaturized digital temperature logging devices on coral reefs is increasing dramatically due to the threat of global warming. Shallow coral reef environments are characterized by extremely high solar radiation and highly transparent seawater, raising the possibility of solar heating of devices deployed in these settings. In this study, we compared temperature measurements under a variety of shading treatments to investigate the potential error associated with high irradiance levels in shallow, clear waters. Results of this experiment showed that mid‐day water temperature readings by unshaded loggers were significantly higher by 2.2°C on average compared with shaded loggers. Loggers shielded with reflective tape showed less error but still reported significant heating, with water temperatures that were on average 0.15°C higher than shaded loggers. There were no significant differences among shade treatments during nighttime hours, indicating that irradiance is the source of the errors documented here. Care must be taken to shield temperature loggers from irradiance while providing good circulation of water around the sensors. One option is to place the loggers in a naturally occurring, cryptic or shaded habitat on the reef. When deployed in open reef areas, in mesocosms, or in experimental aquaria, loggers can be shielded in protective, opaque plastic tubes that are open at both ends.