Evaporation From Lakes

Citation

Cummings, Nephi Willard (1926) Evaporation From Lakes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/PXMT-BM19. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-02172005-153013

Abstract

Evaporation can be determined by the aid of the first law of thermodynamics in such a way that wind velocity need not enter the calculation. Air temperature and humidity enter only as terms in a correction which can have a relatively small average value under typical conditions. A method of finding the difference between incoming and outgoing radiation, from observations on a well insulated pan is described, and also a method of finding the ratio of sensible heat to latent heat transmitted through the air-water surface. These quantities can be used in estimating evaporation from an actual lake if proper corrections are made for storage of heat in the water, expansion of the water, and heat conveyed by inflowing and outflowing water. Two proposed engineering applications are outlined.

Thesis Files