During the first visit to Chile of the 2nd phase of the CRC1211 (delayed due to Corona/Covid-19 travel restrictions), Z2 and Z3 installed the first four standard fog collectors (SFCs) in different parts of the Atacama, i.e., at weather stations S22 and S32, as well as new weather station S41. These SFCs are already operated at the research station of Alto Patache (weather station S20) since a longer time period, using a 1x1m mesh surface in 2-3m height above ground for recording fog occurrences and intensities. Overall, 10 of these fog collectors shall additionally be installed at selected permanent weather stations during the next year, additional 9 SFCs are planned to be used in combination with our new Onset Hobo mobile weather stations.

In addition, two new permanent and two mobile weather stations were established during the field campaign. One mobile station is closely located to one permanent station (S22) for comparisons of all parameters and particularly fog water yields. The other mobile weather station is capturing weather data at the long-term insect trap site of subproject B6.

During the field campaign, samples of biological soil crusts (BSCs) and other soil surfaces were taken (cooperation with B4), a UAV-based survey of the Paranal claypan (A2) was conducted, and zebra stripe monitoring sites (former C3) were re-visited. The field campaign also served as an initial field sampling effort for the new project C08 - samples for this new subproject were taken from 2 sites in the northern focus area of the CRC, i.e., in the Coastal Cordillera and in the Precordillera.

In summary, this successful though rather short field trip focused on logistics and preparation for the upcoming field work planned for spring 2022.

Twitter Link:

https://twitter.com/search?q=#crc1211&f=live
#CRC1211

Permanent and mobile weather stations with SFCs at S22 (Pisagua area/N focus area)		SFC and permanent weather station S32 in fog conditions (Paposo area/S focus area)