Evapotranspiration
Topic: Oceans: Hydrological Cycle, Relief of the Ocean Floor, Temperature and Salinity · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 12 "Water (Oceans)"
Meaning
Evapotranspiration is the total water that goes into the air from a piece of land. It has two parts. The first is evaporation, when water turns into vapour from soil, lakes and other water surfaces. The second is transpiration, when plants give off water vapour through their leaves. Evapotranspiration is a key link in the hydrological cycle (water cycle), and it decides how much water crops need.
Example
In the hot summer of Punjab and Haryana, paddy fields lose a lot of water through the soil and through the rice plants. So farmers have to irrigate them often.
Don't confuse with
- Evaporation: this only covers water turning into vapour from soil and water surfaces. Evapotranspiration adds the water that plants give off as well.