Role of dewfall in the water balance of a semiarid coastal steppe ecosystem

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.9780
• Publication Date: 2013-02-24T01:22:40Z
• Authors: O. Uclés; L. Villagarcía; M. J. Moro; Y. Canton; F. Domingo
• Keywords: Dew; Leaf wetness

Abstract Dewfall is widely recognized as an important source of water for many ecosystems, especially in arid and semiarid areas, contributing to improve daily annual balances leading increased interest its study recent years. In this study, occurrence, frequency amount dewfall were measured from January 2007 December 2010 (4 years study) find out contribution the local balance a Mediterranean steppe ecosystem dominated by scattered tussocks Stipa tenacissima (Balsa Blanca, Almería, SE Spain). For purpose, we developed measurement method, ‘The Combined Estimation Method’ (CDEM). This method consists combination potential model, i.e. single‐source Penman–Monteith evaporation model simplified condensation, with information leaf wetness sensors, rain gauge data, soil surface temperature dew point temperature. To assess reliability CDEM, was situ using weighing microlysimeters during period 3 months. Daily micrometeorological variables involved event analysed order significance at site. condensation recorded on 78% nights period. Average monthly duration 9.6 ± 3.2 h per night. 0.17 0.10 mm night mostly dependent duration. episodes longer late autumn winter shorter spring. Annual represented 16%, 23%, 15% 9% rainfall 2007, 2008, 2009 2010, respectively. Furthermore, when wet compared dry one, site found be 8% 94%, Our results highlight relevance constant well significant balance, mainly periods where it may represent only Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.