20. Measurement of Evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration encompasses the combined processes of evaporation and transpiration, playing a vital role in the hydrologic cycle and water resource management. Accurate measurement methods, both direct and indirect, include lysimeters, water balance, and remote sensing techniques, which provide insights into water balance, irrigation planning, and drought assessment. Various factors such as climate and plant characteristics influence evapotranspiration rates, which can be quantified using mathematical models and empirical methods.
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What we have learnt
- Evapotranspiration is a key component of the hydrologic cycle.
- Measurement of evapotranspiration is essential for effective water resource management.
- Both direct and indirect methods can be employed to estimate evapotranspiration accurately.
Key Concepts
- -- Evapotranspiration
- The total water loss from both evaporation and transpiration processes.
- -- Potential Evapotranspiration (PET)
- The amount of evapotranspiration that occurs with an unlimited water supply.
- -- Lysimeter
- A device used to measure the amount of water lost through evapotranspiration.
- -- Water Balance Method
- A method of estimating evapotranspiration based on the continuity equation using precipitation, runoff, deep percolation, and soil water storage changes.
- -- Crop Coefficient (Kc)
- A factor that accounts for the specific crop's water use compared to reference evapotranspiration.
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