We carried out numerical simulations of drying-induced surface roughening of a moving liquid layer under periodic air blowing conditions. Using spatially non-uniform Biot number profiles along the coating surface, the solutions of coupled diffusion/heat transfer equations reveal a periodic growth and relaxation in concentration gradients in the vicinity of the liquid-gas interface. The resultant interfacial stress variations promote particular asymmetric surface topographies that grow and level in a sequential manner. The unique surface roughness is identified by considering time scales required for the web motion, the stress-induced sin-face evolution, and the pressure-driven leveling. Predicted drying maps represent the surface roughening behavior as regions in parameter space. (C) 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 55: 1648-1658, 2009