Analysis of Temperature Differences Between Turf and Grass Fields in the Context of Athletics

Heat-related illnesses are a major issue for outdoor sports. In recent years turf fields have become the standard for many reasons including lower maintenance costs, increased durability, and decreased water usage. One of the main issues with turf fields is its heat-absorbing properties and its link to heat-related illnesses. When it comes to deciding between installing turf fields or grass fields this is an important factor to consider. To address this issue, this analysis will measure the temperature at the surface and 5 feet off the ground at both a turf field and a grass field. The purpose of these measurements will be to compare the differences in how turf fields and grass fields heat the surface and the air above it. Other environmental factors will also be discussed in this analysis such as water content, surrounding environmental structures, cloud cover, and multiple other factors. The data will be visualized using Python to facilitate clear and accessible interpretation for industry professionals. The goal of this analysis is to compare data from both surfaces to guide sports organizations and schools on injury prevention. This will provide insights for future decisions regarding the use of turf fields.