I used to walk barefoot a lot as a young boy.  I recall with clarity the
shock of walking from sand to pavement on a hot day - from hot to HOT!  The
darker colored pavement absorbs (and releases) considerably more solar
energy than plain sand.  Granted there is a density difference between the
two, but I'd wager the color is the primary consideration.

I remember reading emissivity data (how readily an object gives up heat) on
wood stove parts painted with various coatings.  What I found interesting
about the data was that, overall, color was less of an issue for heat
absorption/emission than density.  However, all things being equal (dark
sand vs. light sand), there should be a noticeable difference in solar gain.
That's why those little science class gizmos that spin in the sun actually
work.

I have also placed my hives on black roll roofing, and noticed how much
faster the snow melts in that area as opposed to the surrounding ground.
Try laying a piece of black roofing material on the ground for half an hour
on a warm day.  You'll be amazed at how hot the surface gets.  Definitely a
solar benefit there, as well as a potential benefit against SHB.


Regards,


Todd

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