Comparative Impact Assessment of Wet-Bulb Potential Temperature and Equivalent Potential Temperature on Precipitable Water in Nigeria

Udo, I. A, Okujagu, C. U

Abstract: Mean annual surface temperatures were determined using a ten year surface maximum and minimum temperatures for twenty eight locations in Nigeria. The results were then used to read off the values of wet-bulb potential temperature; equivalent potential temperature and mixing ratio by following pseudo-adiabatic chart from condensation level; 500mb to 1000mb level. Two of the aforementioned read off parameters: wet-bulb potential temperature and equivalent potential temperature were then used to estimate precipitable water values respectively while one of the parameters; mixing ratio was used to calculate for precipitable water. With reference to calculated precipitable water; the impact of wet-bulb potential temperature and equivalent potential temperature on precipitable water was compared. The comparison shows that wet-bulb potential temperature gives excellent impact on precipitable water than equivalent potential temperature in many locations.

Keywords: Condensation, Equivalent Potential Temperature, Mixing Ratio, Precipitable Water, Wet bulb Potential Temperature