Thermal conductivity at permanent wilting point (PWP) - in late summer

This map shows the mean thermal conductivity as a weighted average up to 2m depth with water contents at permanent wilting point (pF 4.2). It corresponds to the location-dependent, lowest thermal conductivity during the course of the year, as can be expected in late summer at the end of the growing season. Groundwater levels were taken into account in the calculation. Thermal conductivity (λ) determines the property of the soil to transport thermal energy through conduction. It is the decisive parameter for the use of the soil as a heat source and storage and must be taken into account, among other things, in the application of near-surface geothermal energy (earth heat collectors) or in the construction of underground power cables.