The dewatering characteristics of anaerobically digested primary and activated sludge were investigated under eight selected combinations of laboratory controlled air temperature and relative humidity using three open, drained model beds, as well as a closed, drained and an open, nondrained bed. The evaporation rate from a free water surface was also determined. Moisture content, drainage, evaporative weight loss, and sludge surface recession were measured and recorded periodically throughout the two week period of each of the eight experiments. Relationships were shown to exist between sludge moisture content, evaporation rate from a free water surface, and the parameters T (the difference between dry and wet bulb temperature) and H (the difference between saturation and absolute humidity). It was found that moisture gradients developed within the dewatering sludge which generally increased with time and T. (Author)