Atmospheric Conditions and Precipitation in Arid Environments: A Case of Namibia

Abstract

This study evaluates the atmospheric conditions and precipitation interactions in Namibia to provide the basis for monitoring and improving conditions relating to water storage, recharge, and quality, as well as preserving small quantities of available fresh water, and improving existing water resource augmentation programs. Atmospheric conditions including temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, atmospheric water-holding capacity, and aerosol load, morphology, and size distribution were determined for the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use (SASSCAL) weather/research stations situated in the Kuiseb, Cuvelai-Etosha and Okavango-Omatako Basin, in Namibia. Inferential statistical analysis of the atmospheric conditions, and historical meteorological and hydrological data yielded information on the occurrence (onset, intensity, and frequency) of precipitation in Namibia. The study also showed that the water-holding capacity of the Namibian atmosphere increased as the temperature increased; aerosol pollution close to Cuvelai and Kuiseb masked the ground and reduced moisture supply; thus, the Namibian warm climate increased risks of drought during non-rainy periods, and floods during rainy periods, but at different times and/or places. KeywordsPrecipitation; Meteorological Parameters; Aerosol Load; Aerosol Morphology; Total Suspended Particles; Atmospheric Water-holding Capacity