Measuring Fog Water Deposition Using Standard Fog Collectors

Abstract

Fog is a prominent environmental feature in Coastal California and plays a key role in moderating surface temperatures, relative humidity, and ecosystem processes. However, our knowledge of local patterns of fog deposition remains limited. Measuring this abiotic factor is essential because of how strongly it influences the activity of many organisms. Due to its proximity to the coastline, the California State University Channel Islands campus provides ideal conditions to measure local fog water deposition and its potential influence on native wildlife and the surrounding agricultural fields. The campus contains diverse plant communities including Coastal Sage Scrub and riparian vegetation. These habitats support animal communities that can be significantly affected by variations in environmental water availability. This project utilizes two standard fog collectors with automated rain gauges to intercept fog droplets and measure accumulated water. As fog passes through the net, fog particles are trapped. Gravity causes the water to drip into the trough before being deposited into the automatic rain gauge for measurement. The project will generate data on fog-derived water and highlight fog’s importance to organisms living in Coastal California.

Details

Session 2

1:30pm – 2:45pm

Del Norte Hall

Room D: 1530

HSI-SMART