A FORMULA FOR APPROXIMATION OF THE SATURATION VAPOR PRESSURE OVER WATER
Julius F. Bosen · Monthly Weather Review · 1960
The use of electronic digit,al computers in scientific fields has made common the application of mathematical formulations of a much higher order of complexity and sophistication than was t'l-lought possible a generation ago. Yet, paradoxically, computer economics have made it urgent o seek mathematical simplifications, especially for commonly computed functions, to minimize computer time and the need for storage capacity. The kind of simplification to be sought in a formula is the use of only the elementary arithmetic operations in as few computer stsps as possible. Many approximation formulae have been developed for functions common to general mathemat'ics. A widely used and well-worn collect'ion of such approximatior~s is that of Hast'ings [I]. Sorrlc areas of specific interest to meteorology, howcver, are as yet rehtively untouched. The hygrometric functions are basic and are used extensively in meteorology. Therefore, approximation formulae for these functions can be a valuable tool for meteorological computer applications. The author [a] presented such an equation for approxinmting relat'ive humidity from dry bulb and dew point tenlpcratures. The equation present,ed here approxirrlatmes the saturation vapor pressure over water with reasonable accuracy for temperatures in thc range 6OoE'. <t<130°F. :