Author
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Baker, John |
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GRIFFIS, TIMOTHY - University Of Minnesota |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 2/5/2016 Publication Date: 1/12/2017 Citation: Baker, J.M., Griffis, T.J. 2017. Atmospheric humidity. In: Hatfield, J.L., Sivakumar, M.V.K., Prueger, J.H., editors. Agroclimatology: Linking Agriculture to Climate. Madison, WI: ASA, CSSA, SSSA. p. 1-14 doi:10.2134/agronmonogr60.2015.0031. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Water vapor plays a critical role in earth's atmosphere. It helps to maintain a habitable surface temperature through absorption of outgoing longwave radiation, and it transfers trmendous amounts of energy from the tropics toward the poles by absorbing latent heat during evaporation and subsequently releasing it during condensation. The location and timing of precipitation governs our ability to produce food and possible alterations to precipitation patterns due to climate change are perhaps a larger threat than temperature increases themselves. This chapter briefly describes these processes, provides definitions of basic humidity parameters, and equations for interconverting from one parameter to another. The various methods for measuring humidity are described, along with the strengths andweaknesses of each. Finally, the role of humidity in animal comfort is discussed. |
