DESIGN EXERCISE NO 1

To plot a graph for the given data of temperature (T) and the saturated
vapour pressure (es) of air showing that the saturated vapour pressure is a
function of the temperature. Also to find the following for the given conditions:

i. Saturation Deficit (es-e)

ii. Relative Humidity (f)

iii. Dew Point Temperature (Td)

1.1 Related Theory

1.1.1 Hydrology

Hydrology is the science of the water of the earth, their occurrence, circulation and
distribution over the globe, their physical and chemical properties and their
reaction/interaction with the physical and biological environment.

It deals with precipitation, evaporation, infiltration, ground water flow, runoff, stream flow
and the transport of substances dissolved or suspended in the flowing water. So it is the
scientific study of the hydrological cycle.

The hydrological cycle involves evaporation, transpiration, interception, infiltration,

runoff, seepage and precipitation. Due to solar radiation, water from ocean, river, lakes
or any other water body on earth surface evaporates in gaseous form.

1.1.2 Engineering Hydrology

It includes that segment of the field pertinent to planning, design and operation of
engineering projects for the control and use of water.

1.1.3 Significance of Hydrology

Study of water is extremely necessary as:

1. It is the basic need for human life over the planet.

2. To cope with extreme hydrological events (for example: floods, droughts, etc.)

3. To determine input data for the design and operation of hydraulic structures like
dams, reservoirs, storm drainage systems, water supply schemes, etc.

1.1.4 Meteorology

It is the science of atmosphere which is gaseous envelope surrounding the earth.

1.1.5 Climatic Factors

Metrology of the region is affected by certain climatic factors :

1. Amount of distribution of precipitation.

2. The occurrence of snow and ice.

3. Wind velocity

4. Temperatures

5. Humidity

1.1.6 Importance of knowledge of meteorology

1. Cloud formation.

2. Occurrence of precipitation.

3. Thunder storm formation.

4. Movement of rainstorms.

5. Weather forecast.

6. Flood warnings and forecasts.

1.1.7 Atmosphere

It is the gaseous envelope around the earth surface. It consists of many gases like
nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.

Different Layers of Atmosphere are:

1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere

1.1.8 Troposphere / Hydrosphere

It is the layer of atmosphere adjacent to the surface of earth which contains

about 99 % of the total atmospheric water. Its average thickness is about 8-12 km.

It is the most important layer with reference to civil engineering as all the
hydrological processes take place in this layer.
1.1.9 Atmospheric Water

It is the water available in the atmosphere in the form of water vapours, ice crystals,
clouds and precipitating particles etc.

1.1.10 Vaporization

It is the process of transformation of water from liquid state to vapour state.

1.1.11 Vapour pressure (e)

Pressure exerted by the water vapours in air is known as Vapour pressure. The
commonly used units are mm of Hg.

1.1.12 Saturation Vapour Pressure (es)

It is the vapour pressure when air is fully saturated at a given temperature. It is the
measure of moisture holding capacity of air which increases with increase in the air
temperature.

Its values can be obtained from the Psychrometric tables.

It can also be obtained (within 1 % range) from the value of temperature in the range of
50°C To 55°C by the use of following equation:

es ≈ 3.38639 [(0.00738T + 0.8072)8 - 0.000019 (1.8T + 48) + 0.001316]

1.1.13 Saturation Deficit

The difference between the saturation vapour pressure and the vapour pressure of air
at a given temperature is known as Saturation Deficit.

1.1.14 Humidity

It is the pressure of moisture in the air. Humidity in the atmosphere can be assessed by
vapour pressure of air.

1.1.15 Relative Humidity

It is the ratio between the vapour pressure and the saturation vapour pressure of air at a
given temperature. It is usually expressed in percentage. It is represented as (f).

f = (e/es)*100
1.1.16 Dew Point Temperature (Td)

It can be defined as a temperature at which the air mass just becomes saturated if
cooled at constant pressure with moisture neither added nor removed.

1.2 Procedure

1. Plot a graph between saturated vapour pressure and temperature.

2. Plot condition 1 for given value of (e) and (T) on es ~ T graph.
3. For point 1 draw a vertical line passing through the point up to the saturation line.
4. Measure distance between saturation line, it is the saturation vapor pressure for
point 1.
5. Measure vertical distance between point 1 and saturated line, It is saturation
deficit.
6. Compute relative humidity by using the corresponding equation.
7. Draw a horizontal line from point 1 to the left, It may intersect with the saturation
curve. Note down the temperature for the intersection point, it is the dew point
temperature.
8. Repeat steps 2 to 7 for other points / conditions as well.

1.3 Calculations