This module covers the topic of Evapotranspiration that is taught during a 3-week session as part of the course NRES 408/808 - Microclimate: The Biological Environment. Evapotranspiration (ET) describes the total process of water transfer into the atmosphere through evaporation for the soil, open water or plant surfaces and transpiration from vegetation. Most of the energy needed to drive the evapotranspiration process comes from solar radiation.

The module consists of a pre-test, three sections covering definitions, factors affecting ET and methods of measuring or estimating ET, and finally a summary self-check tool to review key ideas.

The goal of this module is to gain an understanding of the ET process and latent heat of energy utilized in ET. The objectives are

• Identify factors influencing ET
• Understand sensible heat advection and its role in ET
• Understand and apply methods of estimating ET and LE

How to use this module:  Instructions on how to use the navigation of this site are found in the Course Guide page of this site. The module is designed in linear format so the user should start in Section area and begin at Section 1. However, the user can begin in any section at any time.