Question

Look at how precipitation and evapotranspiration vary globally, and find out why. Both are parts of climate and weather and must be related to atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, latitude, distance from the ocean, topography, vegetation and perhaps other factors. Examine the global maps of evapotranspiration, precipitation, and temperature (http://quebec.hwr.arizona.edu/classes/hwr201/infographics/). Look also at topography, for example by using google maps with “terrain” option switched on, and maybe also at wind patterns, ocean currents etc. Required: (a) Where is precipitation highest? Lowest? (b) Where is evapotranspiration highest? Lowest? (c) Explain why (use all available information: precipitation, evapotranspiration, temperature, topography, geography, winds, circulation)

Answer 1

Evapotranspiration is a total of evaporation from land surface and transpiration from plants.It depends on two things air temperature and solar radiation of environment.This phenomenon is related to precipitation and occurs globally in similar fashion,without water in air clouds cannot form so if less evapotranspiration,less humidity and rainfall will decrease.

Atacama desert of Peru and Chile are driest in this world,this region is at the wrong side of Andes,moisture condenses and falls on opposite region.Winds from Pacific ocean blow here but these winds dry up and cause no rains.

Mawsynram in Meghalya ,India receives highest rainfall in the world because it is in the windward side of mountains,it receives rain from south west monsoon which has its path from Bay of bengal.

Sahara desert Of africa have highest evapotranspiration,although receives very less rainfall because it has much cooler,more humid climate and plenty of vegetation

Least evapotranspiration is in upper regions of Europe like Norway,Scotland because they donot receive enough sunlight for evapotranspiration to occur.