Ecophysiology of atmospheric moisture in the Namib Desert

• Published in: Atmospheric research Vol. 87; no. 3; pp. 362 - 368
• Main Authors: Henschel, Joh R., Seely, Mary K.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.03.2008; Elsevier
• Subjects: Absorption; Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Dampness; Dew; Ecophysiological mechanisms; Fog; Fog-collecting behaviour; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Synecology; Terrestrial ecosystems; Water vapour; Namibia; Africa; Namibia, Namib Desert; Water vapour; Absorption; Dew; Ecophysiological mechanisms; Fog-collecting behaviour; Dampness; Fog; Air biosphere interaction; Water balance; Desert; Microclimate; Air humidity
• ISSN: 0169-8095; 1873-2895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosres.2007.11.015

Although the Namib Desert is classified as hyperarid, with rainfall extremely rare, there are several other sources of atmospheric moisture, namely, humidity, dew and fog, which make it possible for organisms to live there. Methods to use these sources include locating moist micro-climates, drinking from wet surfaces, consuming moist food, collecting water on the body, and absorbing water vapour. In describing these mechanisms from published sources, we highlight the work of Professor Gideon Louw, to whom we dedicate this paper. Louw's pioneering work on water relations and economy, which includes osmoregulation in desert plants and animals such as grass, beetles, and springbok, established a foundation that inspired numerous studies by colleagues and students. Ecophysiology provides many more lessons that have potential to be mimicked and applied in the occult collection of water in arid regions.