Empirical Formulas - 16.4.4 | 16. Evaporation Process | Hydrology & Water Resources Engineering - Vol 1
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Mayer’s Formula

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Let's discuss Mayer’s Formula for estimating evaporation. Can anyone tell me what variables we need?

Student 1
Student 1

We need the saturated vapor pressure and the actual vapor pressure, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! We also need wind speed and a coefficient that depends on the location and season. The formula is E = K(e_w - e_a)(1 + u/16). Remembering the sequence can help: think of K as 'Kite' flying high when there's more wind.

Student 2
Student 2

So, does higher wind speed always increase evaporation?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly, because wind helps maintain a higher vapor pressure gradient, facilitating evaporation! Can anyone summarize this formula's relevance?

Student 3
Student 3

It’s important for estimating daily evaporation rates in water management!

Teacher
Teacher

Great summary! Using this formula helps in making informed decisions about irrigation and water supply.

Rohwer’s Equation

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s look at Rohwer’s Equation: E = 0.771(e_w - e_a)(1 + 0.536u). What can you tell me about this equation?

Student 4
Student 4

It looks similar to Mayer’s Formula, but it has different coefficients and a factor for wind speed.

Teacher
Teacher

Spot on! This equation is particularly useful in conditions where we have precise wind speed and vapor pressure data. Why do you think we need different equations?

Student 1
Student 1

To improve accuracy based on specific conditions!

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, accuracy is key in hydrological studies. Proper application can help optimize water resource management.

Student 2
Student 2

Are there specific situations where Rohwer’s Equation is preferred?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! It’s often used in agricultural settings where wind and vapor pressure monitoring are feasible, enhancing irrigation planning.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses empirical formulas used for estimating evaporation in various conditions.

Standard

Empirical formulas such as Mayer’s Formula and Rohwer’s Equation provide methods for estimating evaporation based on variables like vapor pressure and wind speed. Understanding these formulas is essential for accurate water loss estimation in environmental and agricultural contexts.

Detailed

Empirical Formulas

This section focuses on empirical formulas for estimating evaporation when direct measurement is not possible. Two primary formulas are highlighted:

Mayer’s Formula

Mayer’s Formula is given by:

E = K(e_w - e_a)(1 + u/16)

Where:
- E = Evaporation (mm/day)
- e_w = Saturated vapor pressure at water temperature
- e_a = Actual vapor pressure of air
- u = Wind speed at 9 m height
- K = Coefficient that varies depending on location and season

Rohwer’s Equation

Rohwer’s Equation states:

E = 0.771(e_w - e_a)(1 + 0.536u)

This equation is applicable where data on wind speed and vapor pressure are available.

Significance

These formulas help hydrologists, agricultural planners, and environmental engineers estimate evaporation rates, which is crucial for managing water resources efficiently, especially in arid regions.

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Mayer’s Formula

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E=K(e_w − e_a)(1 + u / 16)
Where:
- E = Evaporation (mm/day)
- e_w = Saturated vapor pressure at water temperature
- e_a = Actual vapor pressure of air
- u_9 = Wind speed at 9 m height
- K = Coefficient (depends on location and season)

Detailed Explanation

Mayer's Formula is a mathematical expression used to estimate the rate of evaporation from a water surface. It considers several factors:

  1. Evaporation (E): This is the key output of the formula. It tells us how much water evaporates each day, measured in millimeters.
  2. Saturated vapor pressure (e_w): This is the pressure exerted by water vapor in the air when it is fully saturated at the temperature of the water surface.
  3. Actual vapor pressure (e_a): This is the current pressure exerted by the water vapor present in the air, which is generally less than the saturated vapor pressure.
  4. Wind speed (u): The formula includes wind speed at a height of 9 meters because wind influences evaporation. More wind removes moist air from the surface and allows more evaporation to occur.
  5. Coefficient (K): This is a value that varies depending on local conditions and the season. It helps to customize the formula for different environments.

By plugging in these values, researchers can estimate the evaporation from bodies of water effectively.

Examples & Analogies

Think of Mayer’s Formula like a recipe for baking bread. Just as the recipe needs the right amount of flour, water, and yeast for successful baking, this formula requires specific measurements for vapor pressures and wind speed to accurately estimate how much water will evaporate. If you change the amount of any ingredient in a recipe, the final product will differ — similarly, any changes in the input values will affect the evaporation estimate.

Rohwer’s Equation

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E = 0.771(e_w − e_a)(1 + 0.536u)
Used where wind speed and vapor pressure data are available.

Detailed Explanation

Rohwer’s Equation is another empirical formula that helps estimate evaporation. Here are the components:

  1. Evaporation (E): Just like in Mayer's Formula, E represents the amount of water that evaporates.
  2. Saturated vapor pressure (e_w): This is again the pressure from saturated water vapor at the water’s temperature.
  3. Actual vapor pressure (e_a): This remains the pressure from the actual vapor present in the air.
  4. Wind speed (u): Wind plays a vital role in how quickly evaporation occurs, and this formula accounts for it with a weighted factor (0.536) that emphasizes the impact of wind.

This equation is best used when detailed data about wind speed and vapor pressure are available, making it useful for precise calculations in environments where such data can be easily gathered.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are washing your hands; if there is no air movement in the room, your hands will take longer to dry because the moisture isn’t being whisked away. However, if there’s a strong fan blowing, your hands will dry much faster because the air removes moisture quickly. Similarly, Rohwer’s Equation incorporates wind speed directly into its calculation to reflect how much faster water will evaporate, paralleling the drying of your hands with airflow.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Mayer’s Formula: An empirical formula to estimate evaporation based on temperature and wind speed.

  • Rohwer’s Equation: An adaptation of Mayer's Formula with different coefficients suited for specific environmental conditions.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Example 1: If the saturated vapor pressure is 12 mm, actual vapor pressure is 8 mm, and wind speed at 9 m is 5 m/s, calculate the evaporation using Mayer's Formula.

  • Example 2: Using Rohwer’s Equation, estimate evaporation when e_w is 10 mm, e_a is 5 mm, and wind speed is 3 m/s.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • When the sun shines bright, the water takes flight, evaporation's a sight!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a sunny day by the lake. The warmth embraces the water, transforming it into vapor, like ghosts of water soaring into the air.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • For Mayer’s Formula, remember MEW = Evaporation, Energy, Wind.

🎯 Super Acronyms

REMEMBER

  • E: = K(e_w - e_a)(1 + u/16) helps in Evaporation calculation when conditions are right!

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Evaporation

    Definition:

    The process of water transitioning from liquid to vapor caused by energy absorption.

  • Term: Saturated Vapor Pressure

    Definition:

    The pressure exerted by water vapor in equilibrium with its liquid at a given temperature.

  • Term: Actual Vapor Pressure

    Definition:

    The pressure exerted by the water vapor present in the air, which may be lower than the saturated vapor pressure.

  • Term: Wind Speed

    Definition:

    The speed of wind, which influences the rate of evaporation.

  • Term: Empirical Formula

    Definition:

    A mathematical expression derived from observing and modeling real-world phenomena to estimate values.