Determination of the Total Water Vapour Content of Sokoto Area Atmosphere

Abstract

A study was carried out to estimate the quantity of total water vapour content of the atmosphere for Sokoto area using solar radiation intensity measurements. Pyronometerwas used to record solar intensities for the month of September, 2012 on daily basis extending from 8.00 hour to 17.00 hour local time. Red and blue plastic filters were used in taking separate measurements of solar intensities in addition to no filter measurements. Total water vapour content was determined using ELSSASER square approximations law. Results indicated that highest value of water vapour content of the atmosphere of 1.458 Kgm-2was recorded on the 20th day of the month while the least value of 0.937 Kgm-2 was obtained on the 22nd day of the month. Average water vapour content for the study area was found to be 1.243 Kgm-2. The procedure involved in this method gives similar result as the conventional methods used for estimating atmospheric water vapour content and the subsequent relative humidity for the study area.