Humidity 52812 224321260 2008-07-08T09:45:18Z Species8473 7119688 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/59.96.33.48|59.96.33.48]] to last version by Wavelength (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) '''Humidity''' is the amount of water vapor in the air. In daily language the term "humidity" is normally taken to mean [[relative humidity]]. Relative humidity is defined as the ratio of the [[partial pressure]] of [[water vapor]] in a parcel of [[air]] to the saturated [[vapor pressure]] of water vapor at a prescribed [[temperature]]. Humidity may also be expressed as absolute humidity and specific humidity. Relative humidity is an important [[metric]] used in [[weather forecasting|forecasting weather]]. Humidity indicates the likelihood of [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], [[dew]], or [[fog]]. High humidity makes people feel hotter outside in the summer because it reduces the effectiveness of [[sweating]] to cool the body by preventing the [[evaporation]] of perspiration from the skin. This effect is calculated in a [[heat index]] table. ==Absolute humidity== ''Absolute humidity'' is the quantity of water in a particular volume of air. The most common units are grams per cubic meter, although any mass unit and any volume unit could be used. Pounds per cubic foot is common in the U.S., and occasionally even other units mixing the English and metric systems are used. If all the water in one [[cubic meter]] of air were condensed into a container, the container could be weighed to determine absolute humidity. The amount of vapor in that cube of air is the absolute humidity of that cubic meter of air. More technically: the mass of water vapor <math> m_w </math>, per cubic meter of air, <math> V_a </math> . :<math> AH = {m_w \over V_a} </math> Absolute humidity ranges from 0 gram per cubic meter in dry air to 30 grams per cubic meter (0.03 ounce per cubic foot) when the vapour is saturated at 30 °C.[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-53259/climate#292984.hook] (See also [http://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/misc/klima.htm Absolute Humidity table]) The absolute humidity changes as air [[pressure]] changes. This is very inconvenient for [[chemical engineering]] calculations, e.g. for [[Clothes dryer|dryer]]s, where [[temperature]] can vary considerably. As a result, absolute humidity is generally defined in chemical engineering as mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry air, also known as the mass mixing ratio (see below), which is much more rigorous for heat and mass balance calculations. Mass of water per unit volume as in the equation above would then be defined as '''volumetric humidity'''. Because of the potential confusion, [[British Standard]] BS 1339 (revised 2002) suggests avoiding the term "absolute humidity". Units should always be carefully checked. Most humidity charts are given in g/kg or kg/kg, but any mass units may be used. ===Mixing ratio or humidity ratio=== ''Mixing'' or ''humidity ratio'' is expressed as a ratio of kilograms of water vapor, <math> m_w </math>, per kilogram of dry air, <math> m_d </math>, at a given pressure. The colloquial term Moisture Content is also used instead of Mixing/Humidity Ratio. Humidity Ratio is a standard axis on psychrometric charts, and is a useful parameter in [[psychrometrics]] calculations because it does not change with temperature except when the air cools below dewpoint That ratio can be given as: :<math> MRi = {m_w \over m_d} </math> [[Partial pressure]] of water vapor and air can also be used to express the ratio. ===Relative humidity=== {{Main|Relative humidity}} ''Relative humidity'' is defined as the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor in a [[gas]]eous mixture of air and water vapor to the saturated vapor pressure of water at a given temperature. Relative humidity is expressed as a percentage and is calculated in the following manner: <math> RH = {p_{(H_2O)} \over p^*_{(H_2O)}} \times 100% </math> where :<math> {p_{(H_2O)}} </math> is the [[partial pressure]] of water vapor in the gas mixture; :<math> {p^*_{(H_2O)}} </math> is the [[saturation vapor pressure]] of water at the temperature of the gas mixture; and :<math> RH_{\,_\,} </math> is the relative humidity of the gas mixture being considered. Relative humidity is often mentioned in [[weather forecasting|weather forecasts]] and reports, as it is an indicator of the likelihood of [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], dew, or fog. In hot [[summer]] [[weather]], it also increases the [[heat index|apparent temperature]] to [[human]]s (and other [[animal]]s) by hindering the [[evaporation]] of [[perspiration]] from the skin as the relative humidity rises. ===Specific humidity===<!-- This section is linked from [[Relative humidity]] --> ''Specific humidity'' is the ratio of water vapor to air (including water vapor and dry air) in a particular volume. Specific humidity ratio is expressed as a ratio of kilograms of water vapor, <math> m_w </math>, per kilogram of mixture, <math> m_t </math> . That ratio can be showed as: :<math> SH = {m_w \over m_a+m_w} </math> Specific humidity is related to mixing ratio (and vice versa) by: :<math> SH = {MR \over 1+MR} </math> :<math> MR = {SH \over 1-SH} </math> === Humidity during rain === Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor dissolved in the air, not including any liquid water or ice falling through the air. For [[cloud]]s to form, and [[rain]] to start, the air does have to reach 100% relative humidity, but only where the clouds are forming or where the rain is falling from. This normally happens when the air rises and cools. Typically, rain falls into air with less than saturated humidity. Some water from the rain may evaporate into the air as it falls, increasing the humidity, but not necessarily enough to raise the humidity to 100%. It is even possible for rain falling through warm, humid air to be cold enough to lower the air temperature to the [[dew point]], thus condensing water vapor out of the air. Although that would indeed raise the [[relative humidity]] to 100%, the water lost from the air (as dew) would also ''lower'' the [[absolute humidity]]. ==Dew point and frost point== Associated with relative humidity is [[dew point]] (If the dew point is below freezing, it is referred to as the frost point). Dew point is the [[temperature]] at which water vapor saturates from an air mass into liquid or solid usually forming [[rain]], [[snow]], [[frost]], or [[dew]]. Dew point normally occurs when a mass of air has a relative humidity of 100%. This happens in the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] as a result of cooling through a number of different processes. [[Image:Relative Humidity.png]] ==Measuring and regulating humidity== [[Image:Umidaderelativa.jpg|thumb|A [[hygrometer]] is a device used for measuring the humidity of the air]] There are various devices used to measure and regulate humidity. A device used to measure humidity is called a psychrometer or [[hygrometer]]. A [[humidistat]] is used to regulate the humidity of a building with a de-humidifier. These can be analogous to a [[thermometer]] and [[thermostat]] for temperature control. Humidity is also measured on a global scale using remotely placed [[satellite]]s. These satellites are able to detect the concentration of water in the [[troposphere]] at altitudes between 4 and 12 kilometers. Satellites that can measure water vapor have sensors that are sensitive to [[infrared|infrared radiation]]. Water vapor specifically absorbs and re-radiates radiation in this spectral band. Satellite water vapor imagery plays an important role in monitoring climate conditions (like the formation of thunderstorms) and in the development of future [[weather forecasts]]. == Humidity and air density == Humid air is less dense than dry air because a molecule of water weighs less than molecules of [[nitrogen]] and [[oxygen]]. [[Isaac Newton]] discovered this phenomenon and wrote about it in his book ''Opticks''.<ref name="optics"> {{cite book |author=Newton, Isaac |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iTpXLrPR2TQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=isaac+newton+optics |publisher=Dover |title=Opticks |date=1704 }} </ref> Avogadro's [[ideal gas law]] states that a fixed volume of gas at a given temperature and pressure always contains the same number of molecules regardless of what type of gas it is. Consider a cubic meter of dry air. About 78% of the molecules are nitrogen (N<sub>2</sub>), with a molecular weight of 28. Another 21% of the molecules are oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>), with a molecular weight of 32. The final 1% is a mixture of other gases. Combining these weights in the correct proportions gives an average molecular weight for air of about 29. If molecules of water vapor (H<sub>2</sub>O), of molecular weight 18, replace the diatomic nitrogen or oxygen molecules in this fixed volume then the weight of the air decreases, and hence the density decreases. Thus, humid air has a lower density than dry air at a specified temperature and pressure. ==Effects on human body== The human body sheds heat by a combination of evaporation of perspiration, [[heat convection]] in the surrounding air, and [[thermal radiation]]. Under conditions of high humidity, the evaporation of sweat from the skin is decreased and the body's efforts to maintain an acceptable body temperature may be significantly impaired. Also, if the atmosphere is as warm as or warmer than the skin during times of high humidity, [[blood]] brought to the body surface cannot shed heat by conduction to the air, and a condition called [[hyperpyrexia]] results. With so much blood going to the external surface of the body, relatively less goes to the active [[muscle]]s, the [[brain]], and other internal [[organ (anatomy)|organs]]. [[Physical strength]] declines and [[Fatigue (physical)|fatigue]] occurs sooner than it would otherwise. Alertness and mental capacity also may be affected. This resulting condition is called ''heat stroke'' or [[hyperthermia]]. ===Recommendations for comfort=== Humans control their body temperature by [[sweating]] and [[shivering]]. The [[United States Environmental Protection Agency]] cites the [[ASHRAE]] Standard 55-1992 ''Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy'', which recommends keeping relative humidity between 30% and 60%, with below 50% preferred to control [[dust mites]]. At high humidity sweating is less effective so we feel hotter; thus the desire to remove humidity from air with [[air conditioning]] in the summer. In the winter, heating cold outdoor air can decrease indoor relative humidity levels to below 30%, leading to discomfort such as dry skin and excessive thirst. ==Effects on electronics== Many electronic devices have humidity specifications, for example, 5 to 95%. At the top end of the range, moisture may increase the conductivity of permeable insulators leading to malfunction. Too low humidity may make materials brittle. A particular danger to electronic items, regardless of the stated operating humidity range, is [[condensation]]. When an electronic item is moved from a cold place (eg garage, car, shed) to a warm humid place (house), condensation may coat circuit boards and other insulators, leading to [[short circuit]] inside the equipment. Such short circuits may cause substantial permanent damage if the equipment is powered on before the condensation has [[evaporated]]. A similar condensation effect can often be observed when a person wearing glasses comes in from the cold. It is advisable to allow electronic equipment to acclimatise for several hours, after being brought in from the cold, before powering on. The inverse is also true. Excessively high humidity causes corrosion in electronics. Low humidity favors buildup of static electricity, which may result in spontaneous shutdown of servers in data centres. Apart from spurious erratic function, electrostatic discharges can cause dielectric breakdown in solid state devices, resulting in irreversible damage. Therefore humidity is an important measure in the control of electronic production or data centre facilities. ==Most humid places on Earth== {{See also|Humid subtropical climate|Humid continental climate}} The most humid cities on earth are generally located closer to the equator, near coastal regions. Cities in South and Southeast Asia seem to be among the most humid. [[Kolkata]], India; [[Kerala]], India; and [[Bangkok]], Thailand experience extreme humidity during their rainy seasons combined with warmth giving the feel of a lukewarm Sauna.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002890 BBC - Weather Centre - World Weather - Average Conditions - Bangkok<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Darwin, Australia experiences an extremely humid wet season from December to April. [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Singapore]] have very high humidity all year round because of their proximity to water bodies and the [[Equator]] and overcast weather; despite sunshine, perfectly clear days are rare in these locations and it is often misty. In cooler places such as Northern Tasmania, Australia high humidity is experienced all year due to the ocean between mainland Australia and Tasmania. In the summer the hot dry air is absorbed by this ocean and the temperature rarely climbs above 30 degrees Celsius. In the United States the most humid cities, strictly in terms of [[relative humidity]], are [[Forks, Washington| Forks]] and [[Olympia, Washington]].<ref>[http://www.komotv.com/news/archive/4092941.html What Is The Most Humid City In The U.S.? | KOMO-TV - Seattle, Washington | News Archive<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> This fact may come as a surprise to many, as the climate in this region rarely exhibits the discomfort usually associated with high humidity. Dew points are typically much lower on the West Coast than on the East. Because high dew points play a more significant role than relative humidity in the discomfort created during humid days, the air in these western cities usually does not feel "humid." The highest dew points are found in coastal [[Florida]] and [[Texas]]. When comparing Key West and Houston, two of the most humid cities from those states, coastal Florida seems to have the higher dew points on average. But, as noted by Jack Williams of USA Today,<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/askjack/2003-09-03-answers-fla-texas-humidity_x.htm USATODAY.com - Answers: Is Florida or Texas more humid<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Houston lacks the coastal breeze present in Key West. ==See also== *[[Savory brittleness scale]] ==References== <references/> * United States Environmental Protection Agency, [http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam_html/ch2-hvac.htm#F2.6 "IAQ in Large Buildings"]. Retrieved Jan. 9, 2006. ==External links== {{Wiktionary}} *[http://www.nsdl.arm.gov/Library/glossary.shtml#absolute_humidity Glossary definition of absolute humidity] - National Science Digital Library *[http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/glossary/psychrometric_tables.html Glossary definition of psychrometric tables] - National Snow and Ice Data Center *[http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/glossary/specific_humidity.html Glossary definition of specific humidity] - National Snow and Ice Data Center {{Meteorological variables}} [[Category:Atmospheric thermodynamics]] [[Category:Physical quantity|Humidity]] [[Category:Psychrometrics]] {{Link FA|de}} [[ar:رطوبة]] [[bn:আর্দ্রতা]] [[ca:Humitat]] [[cs:Vlhkost vzduchu]] [[da:Luftfugtighed]] [[de:Luftfeuchtigkeit]] [[el:Υγρασία ατμόσφαιρας]] [[es:Humedad ambiental]] [[fa:رطوبت]] [[fr:Hygrométrie]] [[ko:습도]] [[hi:आर्द्रता]] [[hr:Vlažnost zraka]] [[id:Kelembapan]] [[it:Umidità]] [[he:לחות]] [[ml:ആര്‍ദ്രത]] [[nl:Luchtvochtigheid]] [[ja:湿度]] [[no:Luftfuktighet]] [[nn:Fukt]] [[pl:Wilgotność powietrza]] [[pt:Humidade]] [[ro:Umiditate]] [[ru:Влажность]] [[simple:Humidity]] [[sl:Vlažnost]] [[sv:Luftfuktighet]] [[tr:Nem]] [[uk:Вологість]] [[zh-yue:濕度]] [[zh:湿度]]