Wind & Precipitation

Research associate Pedro Hervé-Fernández is conducting research in his front garden. Pedro, like many researchers had to pivot his field plans due to travel restrictions imposed by COVID 19. Read below to learn about the interesting research Pedro is conducting.

Precipitation measurements are essential for correctly estimating the hydrological water balance, especially in dry and windy areas like Punta Arenas (the 4th windiest city globally), Chile. However, according to the literature, the wind can cause a 5 to 60% error in precipitation measurements (i.e. under catch).

In addition to the amount of precipitation, stable isotope signatures also can be affected by fractionation due to wind. Understanding how these two factors affect stable isotopic signatures of precipitation will improve our understanding of how stable isotopes can reveal and quantify other critical hydrological processes related to rain, such as groundwater recharge and water flows through different ecosystems.

The study itself had a simple setup. However, during covid-19, we thought (or at least I), “This is over”. However, we just needed wind, which fortunately is everywhere in Punta Arenas. Therefore, our study site moved from the top of a nearby hill to my house’s front garden.

Sample collection continues and we can't wait to see the results from Pedro's study.