title: A kinetic analysis of evaporative water loss barriers.
abstract: A simple kinetic analysis of evaporation solves a number of current theoretical conflicts and provides a much needed insight into waterproofing barriers. Although the saturation deficit law approximates the gradient across a free water surface, it is not necessarily applicable when a barrier is present. Any gaseous diffusion barrier reduces water loss by increasing condensation at the interface, whereas a hydrophobic barrier reduces both vaporization and condensation. Hydrophilic barriers may decrease vaporization without inhibiting condensation but are ineffective when fully hydrated. A general model is derived for steady state water loss across a biological barrier consisting of a mosaic of hydrophilic and hydrophobic bonds. These principles are applied to organisms inhabiting temporally heterogeneous environments.
mesh_terms: D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007700:Kinetics; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature; D014835:Volatilization; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014867:Water