Near-surface, soil, and air temperature data acquired across multiple locations on the Teakettle Experimental Forest, California, 2011-2017

These temperature records were collected as part of a larger study relating microclimates to tree seedling survival in southern California mountains. These temperature records are for studies at the Teakettle Experimental Forest (Lat 36.967, Long -119.017, elevation 2000-2800 m, www.fs.fed.us/psw/ef/teakettle/). Temperature sensors were located at 44 sites across the landscape. Sites were selected to sample topographic variation in surface and air temperatures within a narrow range of elevations on northeast to southwest-facing slopes, ridges and valleys. To characterize surface temperature variation within select sites, 21 sensors were arranged in an identical pattern around and in six, 5x5 m experimental gardens (see garden schematic for details). An additional 33 sites were located across the site by way of a stratified sampling scheme which targeted low, medium, and high elevation areas, low, medium, and high radiation areas, and cold air pooling areas. In June 2012, in order to concentrate sensors in a smaller study area (ease of access and to make this more similar to other sites, 22 sites were "retired," and 7 new sites were installed, for a total of 18 during the remainder of the study. Temperatures were recorded on a 10 or 20-minute interval, depending on the sensor. using HOBO (Onset, www.onsetcomp.com) devices.