On the estimation of potential fog water collection from meteorological variables

We provide a method for estimating potential fog water collection (FWCp) from concomitant measurements of visibility (Omega) and wind speed (u). Various passive artificial fog catcher assemblies, wire-harps and screens with cylindrical geometry and uni- or omni-directional square flat gauges, placed at two fog-affected sites in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), were used for calibrating an empirical model of FWCp vs. u-Omega with good fitting performance (0.762 <= NSE <= 0.921; 0.063 l m(-2) <= RMSE <= 0.247 l m(-2)). The procedure may be useful for characterization of locations for fog water exploitation, forest fog interception or potential cloud forest distribution.