274 Advances in Ecohydrogeology
Ecohydrogeology is the unifying, synthetic field of study integrating the approaches from the ecological and hydrogeological sciences in the study of groundwater-related ecosystems, habitats, and organisms. We encourage submissions of research that advances the science, stewardship, and policy at the intersection of ecology and hydrogeology.
Wednesday, 22 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 209
The role of groundwater in fog formation in the Namib Desert
Paper number: 274-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:05 PM – 2:20 PM
Authors
Abstract
There is growing interest in studying the role of fog in ecosystem dynamics, particularly in water-limited systems. However, key knowledge gaps exist, such as the mechanisms of fog alleviating vegetation water stress, water sources of the fog, and their quantitative contributions to ecosystem functions. In this study, I synthesize results from recent studies using isotopes, remote sensing, and modeling techniques to investigate the source of fog and its impacts on soil and vegetation water status in the Namib Desert. The results revealed the role of groundwater in fog formation, demonstrating the important role of fog on soil water dynamics during rainless periods. The results also demonstrated the quantitative effects of fog on vegetation water status, using both ground-based observations and satellite observations. The results highlight the important but often neglected role of fog in dryland ecosystem dynamics. The results indicate that to better predict the ecosystem responses to climate change, especially in drylands, a better understanding and quantification of fog contributions are essential.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412052
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