Question

A small catchment absorbs a mean daily radiation energy flux R_n= 4200 W m^-2during the month of August. Apply the energy balance approach to estimate evapotranspiration from the catchment during the month of August.

1. Write a complete energy balance equation (include all terms) for the catchment for the month of August.
2. Neglecting conduction to the ground (G) and the change in energy stored, simplify your energy balance equation for the catchment so that it can be solved for the latent heat flux, E_l. Also, replace the term H (the sensible heat flux) with B*E_l(whereB is the Bowen ratio.
3. Using a mean Bowen ratio of 0.24 for the catchment, calculate the mean daily flux of latent heat to the atmosphere (W m^-2) and mean evapotranspiration rate (mm day^-1)^-3from the catchment. Use a water density, ρ_w= 995 kg m.
4. Calculate the total evapotranspiration from the catchment during the month of August.

Answer 1