A method for direct assessment of the "non rainfall" atmospheric water cycle: Input and evaporation from the soil
Date
2012
Authors
Kaseke K.F.
Mills A.J.
Brown R.
Esler K.J.
Henschel J.R.
Seely M.K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
"Non rainfall" atmospheric water (dew, fog, vapour adsorption) supplies a small amount of water to the soil surface that may be important for arid soil micro-hydrology and ecology. Research into the direct effects of this water on soil is, however, lacking due to instrument and technical constraints. We report on the design, development, construction and findings of an automated microlysimeter instrument to directly measure this soil water cycle in Stellenbosch, South Africa during winter. Performance of the microlysimeter was satisfactory and results obtained were compared to literature and fell within the expected range. "Non rainfall" atmospheric water input into bare soil (river sand) was between 0.88 and 1.10 mm per night while evaporation was between 1.39 and 2.71 mm per day. The study also attempted to differentiate the composition of "non rainfall" atmospheric water and results showed that vapour adsorption contributed the bulk of this input. © 2011 Springer Basel AG.
Description
Keywords
Dew, Microlysimeter, Non rainfall atmospheric water, Vapour adsorption
Citation
Pure and Applied Geophysics
169
06-May
847
857
169
06-May
847
857