Study of Soil Temperature and Soil-Atmosphere Interaction for Three Soil Types in the Oran Region

Abstract

In view of the growing interest on global climate change, various researchers have attempted to assess the variation of soil temperature at different depth. The soil temperature profile fluctuates according to various parameters. In this investigation, a coupled numerical model was elaborated considering soil-atmosphere interaction and soil characteristics for unsaturated soils. Three distinct soil types; sand, loam and clay, were investigated to attempt to identify the one that exhibits the highest efficiency in geothermal energy transfer. Additionally, the developed model integrates the real meteorological conditions, including temperature, precipitation, and humidity of Oran region (Algeria), to simulate the soil-atmospheric interactions. These interactions, involving net radiation, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux, are used to quantify the energy balance and hydro-thermal transfer processes occurring at the soil surface. The study’s findings indicate that clayey soils exhibit the highest efficiency in geothermal energy transfer. Moreover, this research provides valuable insights for optimizing the design and implementation of geothermal structures, aiming to improve heating and cooling efficiency in buildings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.