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Letter EGeology glossary

Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation of water from the Earth’s surface and the transpiration of water from plants. It plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle, influencing water availability, soil moisture, and climate. Understanding evapotranspiration is essential for water resource management, agriculture, and climate modeling.

Illustration of plant water cycle processes (evapotranspiration)
Fig. 1 Illustration of plant water cycle processes (evapotranspiration)

Source Allen, R. G., Pereira, L. S., Raes, D., & Smith, M. (1998). “Crop Evapotranspiration: Guidelines for Computing Crop Water Requirements.” FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56.

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