Hydrology & Water Resources Engineering - Vol 2 | 23. Actual Evapotranspiration by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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23. Actual Evapotranspiration

Actual evapotranspiration (AET) integrates evaporation and transpiration processes crucial for understanding the hydrological cycle. AET is impacted by various climatic, soil, and vegetative factors and can be estimated using multiple methods. The applicability of AET data spans irrigation management, hydrologic modeling, and climate change studies, despite challenges in measuring and modeling it under varying conditions.

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Sections

  • 23

    Actual Evapotranspiration

    Actual Evapotranspiration (AET) is a key process in the hydrologic cycle that reflects the actual water removal from the soil-plant system influenced by various factors.

  • 23.1

    Concept Of Actual Evapotranspiration

    This section provides a comprehensive overview of actual evapotranspiration (AET) and how it differs from potential evapotranspiration (PET), alongside the conditions that limit these processes.

  • 23.1.1

    Potential Vs. Actual Evapotranspiration

    This section distinguishes between potential evapotranspiration (PET) and actual evapotranspiration (AET), explaining their importance in hydrology and their dependence on water and energy availability.

  • 23.1.2

    Water-Limited Vs. Energy-Limited Conditions

    This section distinguishes between water-limited and energy-limited conditions affecting actual evapotranspiration (AET).

  • 23.2

    Factors Affecting Actual Evapotranspiration

    This section highlights the key factors impacting actual evapotranspiration (AET), including climatic conditions, soil properties, vegetative characteristics, and water availability.

  • 23.2.1

    Climatic Factors

    Climatic factors significantly influence actual evapotranspiration, including solar radiation, temperature, wind speed, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.

  • 23.2.2

    Soil Properties

    Soil properties significantly influence actual evapotranspiration (AET), impacting water management and agricultural practices.

  • 23.2.3

    Vegetative Characteristics

    This section discusses vegetative characteristics that influence actual evapotranspiration (AET), including factors such as Leaf Area Index, stomatal conductance, and plant growth stages.

  • 23.2.4

    Water Availability

    This section discusses the factors influencing actual evapotranspiration (AET), focusing on water availability as a crucial determinant.

  • 23.3

    Estimation Methods Of Actual Evapotranspiration

    This section discusses various methods for estimating actual evapotranspiration (AET), a critical component in hydrology, detailing methods such as the Soil Water Balance, Lysimeters, Remote Sensing, empirical formulas, and micrometeorological techniques.

  • 23.3.1

    Soil Water Balance Method

    The Soil Water Balance Method estimates Actual Evapotranspiration (AET) by analyzing changes in soil moisture over time using a water balance equation.

  • 23.3.2

    Lysimeter Method

    The Lysimeter Method is a technique for directly measuring evapotranspiration by assessing the change in weight of a soil column.

  • 23.3.3

    Remote Sensing And Satellite-Based Methods

    This section discusses the use of remote sensing and satellite technology for estimating actual evapotranspiration (AET) through methods such as NDVI and various algorithms.

  • 23.3.4

    Empirical Formulas And Crop Coefficients

    This section discusses the use of empirical formulas and crop coefficients in estimating actual evapotranspiration (AET).

  • 23.3.5

    Eddy Covariance And Bowen Ratio Method

    Eddy Covariance and Bowen Ratio methods are high-precision micrometeorological techniques used to measure evapotranspiration by analyzing turbulent heat fluxes.

  • 23.4

    Measurement Techniques And Tools

    This section highlights various techniques and tools used to measure actual evapotranspiration, highlighting their purpose and insights into their functions.

  • 23.5

    Temporal And Spatial Variability Of Aet

    This section explores the temporal and spatial variations of Actual Evapotranspiration (AET), emphasizing its dependence on weather patterns, land types, and management practices.

  • 23.6

    Applications Of Actual Evapotranspiration Data

    This section discusses the various applications of actual evapotranspiration data in hydrology, agriculture, and environmental management.

  • 23.6.1

    Irrigation Water Management

    The section addresses the importance of actual evapotranspiration (AET) in irrigation water management, exploring its applications and significance.

  • 23.6.2

    Hydrologic Modelling

    Hydrologic modelling involves applying estimations of actual evapotranspiration to manage water resources efficiently.

  • 23.6.3

    Climate Change Studies

    This section details the applications of actual evapotranspiration (AET) data in climate change studies, elucidating its significance in monitoring shifts in evapotranspiration patterns due to global warming.

  • 23.6.4

    Groundwater Recharge Analysis

    Groundwater recharge analysis evaluates the impact of actual evapotranspiration on groundwater replenishment.

  • 23.6.5

    Catchment Management

    Catchment management involves the sustainable planning of land and water use in a drainage basin, considering factors like water availability, ecological health, and human needs.

  • 23.7

    Challenges In Estimating Aet

    Estimating actual evapotranspiration (AET) faces significant hurdles due to data limitations and model complexities.

  • 23.8

    Recent Advances And Research Trends

    This section discusses recent advancements in the estimation and prediction of actual evapotranspiration (AET) through innovative technologies and methods.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Actual Evapotranspiration (...
  • Different methods for estim...
  • AET plays a crucial role in...

Final Test

Revision Tests