If the base temperature is 60°F, the daily temperature is 80°F, and the maximum temperature is 95°F, how many heat units have accumulated?

To determine the accumulated heat units, it's important to understand the concept of growing degree days (GDD), which is a common method used in agriculture to estimate growth and development rates of plants based on temperature. The formula for calculating heat units is:

Heat Units = (Daily High + Daily Low) / 2 - Base Temperature

In the scenario provided, the average daily temperature can be calculated by taking the daily high of 80°F into account. However, since there is reference to a maximum temperature of 95°F and a base temperature of 60°F, we should establish the averaged effect of daily fluctuations to accumulate heat units accurately.

1. Daily High = 80°F

2. Base Temperature = 60°F

Applying these to the formula:

1. The average temperature for the day is simply 80°F (as there’s no stated daily low in this case, we can focus on the provided daily high).

2. Subtract the base temperature from the average daily temperature:

• (80°F - 60°F) = 20 heat units.

Thus, 20 heat units have accumulated during this day of growth when comparing against the baseline of 60°F. Therefore, the correct answer reflects this calculated change in