Exploring moisture flux availability above the sea for atmospheric water generation.

In this study, we delve into the moisture flux availability over the sea surface and its potential for contributing to the production capacity of atmospheric water generation systems. Understanding that a higher moisture flux availability in the atmosphere directly translates to a greater reservoir of water vapor accessible for extraction and condensation, we embark on an investigation centered on seas and gulfs across the Middle East, parts of North Africa, and western Asia – regions currently grappling with elevated freshwater stress. Our methodology uses ERA-5 data from 2009 to 2019, encompassing key meteorological variables at the near-surface level of the atmosphere. Employing the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory, we extract the required variables for different atmospheric stability conditions, enabling us to compute the horizontal moisture flux within the surface sublayer above the selected seas and gulfs. Our findings, derived from a comprehensive analysis of ten years of daily data, reveal distinct seasonal patterns. During December, January, and February, the selected seas and gulfs experience comparatively lower moisture flux levels, often falling below the threshold of 0.07 kg/m²·s. In stark contrast, the summer months of June, July, and August witness the highest moisture flux, with particularly robust concentrations detected in the deep Arabian and Red Sea. We delineate a 50-kilometer-wide zone from the shoreline of each sea and gulf to calculate the zonal mean moisture flux. This detailed analysis unearths regions with notably heightened moisture flux availability. Notably, the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden emerge as strong contenders, boasting significantly higher moisture flux than other study locations. Our study outcomes bear significant implications for regional water resource management. By pinpointing areas with abundant atmospheric moisture above the sea, we lay the foundation for potential solutions to alleviate freshwater scarcity through atmospheric moisture harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]