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A Simple Apparatus for Measuring Potential Evapotranspiration

Abstract

THE combined process of evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants is known as ‘evapotranspiration’. The amount of moisture so used varies from place to place and depends mainly on climate (especially temperature and precipitation) and the closeness of the vegetative cover. ‘Potential evapotranspiration’, on the other hand, refers to the amount of moisture which would be utilized if supplies were unlimited and vegetative cover complete. Its value, therefore, alters irrespective of precipitation and vegetation and is a function mainly of length of day, and temperature1.

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References

  1. See various articles by C. W. Thornthwaite, especially “An Approach towards a national Classification of Climate”, Geog. Rev., 38, No. 1, 55 (Jan. 1948) and “Climate and Moisture Conservation”, Ann. Assoc. Amer. Geog., 37, No. 2, 87 (June 1947).

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GARNIER, B. A Simple Apparatus for Measuring Potential Evapotranspiration. Nature 170, 286–287 (1952). https://doi.org/10.1038/170286b0

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