Kidron et al. (2026) The Effect of Neighboring Objects on Non-Rainfall Water

⚠️ Warning: This summary was generated from the abstract only, as the full text was not available.

Identification

• Journal: Atmosphere
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-03-30
• Authors: Giora J. Kidron, Rafael Kronenfeld
• DOI: 10.3390/atmos17040347

Research Groups

[Information not provided in the paper text.]

Short Summary

This study experimentally investigated the effect of neighboring objects, quantified by their obstruction angle, on non-rainfall water (NRW) accumulation. It found a significant decrease in NRW with increasing obstruction angle, following a third-degree polynomial relationship, with implications for both natural ecosystems and urban infrastructure.

Objective

• To investigate how neighboring objects, specifically their obstruction angle (linked to the sky view factor), affect non-rainfall water (dew and fog) accumulation.
• Principal hypothesis: Non-rainfall water yield is primarily linked to the sky view factor (SVF) and the angle formed between the collecting substrate and the height of neighboring objects.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Controlled laboratory experiment using square boxes (30 cm × 30 cm or 60 cm × 60 cm) with a central collecting cloth (6 cm × 6 cm) and a substratum (10 cm × 10 cm glass plate overlying 10 cm × 10 cm plywood).
• Temporal Scale: Experimental measurements of NRW accumulation and plate temperatures. The study references average maximal NRW measured over two years in the Negev for contextual threshold setting and discusses projections for 1-2 decades.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: A third-degree polynomial equation was used to describe the relationship between obstruction angle and NRW accumulation.
• Data sources: Experimental measurements of non-rainfall water accumulated on cloths and substrate temperatures within controlled box environments. Comparison was made against control cloths placed in the open.

Main Results

• A clear decrease in non-rainfall water (NRW) accumulation was observed with an increasing obstruction angle.
• This relationship was accurately described by a third-degree polynomial equation (r² = 0.998).
• Based on a 0.1 mm threshold for vapor condensation (dew) and an average maximal NRW of 0.20 mm (Negev data), obstruction angles of ≥45° are sufficient to impair condensation.
• With projected decreases in NRW due to global warming, even angles of ≥30° may impair condensation within 1-2 decades.
• The findings suggest potential negative impacts on vegetation in forest clearings, wadis, or canyons due to decreased dew, but a positive effect on construction materials in urban settings by reducing exposure to corrosion and degradation.

Contributions

• Provides the first quantitative exploration of the effect of neighboring objects on non-rainfall water yield, specifically linking it to the sky view factor and obstruction angle.
• Establishes a robust quantitative relationship (third-degree polynomial) between the obstruction angle and NRW accumulation.
• Highlights the dual implications of this effect, presenting both negative consequences for natural ecosystems (vegetation) and positive benefits for urban infrastructure (material preservation).

Funding

[Information not provided in the paper text.]

Citation

@article{Kidron2026Effect,
  author = {Kidron, Giora J. and Kronenfeld, Rafael},
  title = {The Effect of Neighboring Objects on Non-Rainfall Water},
  journal = {Atmosphere},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.3390/atmos17040347},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17040347}
}