Comparison of Wind Speed, Soil Moisture, and Cloud Cover to Relative Humidity to Verify Dew Formation

Abstract

<p>Satellites such as SMOS are important tools used in many different scientific fields. These satellite readings can have errors due to any number of reasons. Dew can cause a scattering or absorption effect from the microwave emissions which in turn causes errors in satellite data being relayed to scientists and a correction is needed in order to get accurate information. Dew formation can be estimated using relative humidity, but a clear understanding of conditions needed to form dew is desired. Light wind speeds are hypothesized to be needed to induce dew formation in order to have horizontal moisture advection without turbulent mixing. Clear skies overnight are hypothesized to be needed in order to have radiative cooling and high soil moisture is hypothesized to induce dew rise. In this study we will focus on wind speed, cloud cover, and soil moisture over Hardin County, Iowa, and how they can relate to dew formation. Here it was shown that wind speed and cloud cover is not a conclusive way to predict dew formation and soil moisture is the best variable to indicate dew. Therefore, dew rise is the most likely cause of dew formation.</p>