Reference (Potential) Evapotranspiration. II: Frequency Distribution in Humid, Subhumid, Arid, Semiarid, and Mediterranean-Type Climates
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 4
Abstract
While evapotranspiration () has been a subject of research for decades, there is insufficient data, analyses and information on frequency (probability) values and distribution of this important variable for various climatic regions. Frequency distributions of grass-reference and alfalfa-reference (potential) evapotranspiration ( and ) were quantified and analyzed using long-term measured climate datasets for five locations in the United States that have significantly different climatic characteristics [Mediterranean-type climate, Davis, CA (); arid, Phoenix, AZ (); humid/subtropical, Gainesville, FL (); a transition zone between subhumid and semiarid climate, Clay Center, NE (); and a semiarid climate, Scottsbluff, NE ()]. Two Nebraska locations presented higher variability of among all locations because of their highly turbulent climatic characteristics with abrupt changes in wind speed, humidity and air temperature. At Davis, the peak month is July with an average of . During this time, the probability of was between 6 and with 78% of probability of occurrence. The peak month in Phoenix is June with a long-term average of . During this time, there is a 51% probability of being between 7 and , with a 94% of probability if the range is expanded to 6 and . For the months with higher precipitation, exhibited more variability atributbale to the erratic rain intensity and frequency (July and August estimates present a standard deviation of 1.45 and , respectively). This rainy season produces high variation. frequency curve in Gainesville had more gradual increase and decrease with much smother fluctuations between the months than any other location. Unlike other locations, there is not a clear peak month in Gainesville; May has the highest long-term average (), but June and July averages present less than of difference than May. For May, the probability of being between 4 and is 44%. For April and June, the probability of this occurrence is 47 and 34%, respectively. The peak month at Clay Center is June with a long-term average of . The standard deviation of at Clay Center throughout most of the year is higher than those in other locations with the highest values from April to June. estimations in the peak month (June) are between 7 and with a probability of occurrence of 18.7%. The peak month in Scottsbluff is July (). During this month, the most likely occurrence in is between 7 and with a probability of 25%; if the range is expanded from 6 to , the probability of this range increases to 49%. If another 1 mm is added to the frequency interval, the probability would increase to 63%, showing the substantial variability of in this location as a function of abrupt climatic patterns. The and frequency distribution data and information presented in this study are among the first datasets for various climatic conditions and can be invaluable for water resources and planning and allocation, irrigation management as well as designing irrigation systems and other water resources-related infrastructures.
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Acknowledgments
This project was partially supported by the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) under the project agreement number 13-146-2 and Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) under the grant agreement number 38484 (Project ID 14152). Dr. Suat Irmak expresses his appreciation and gratitude to NET and CPNRD for providing support for this study.
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The mention of trade names or commercial products is for the information of the reader and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation for use by the authors or their institutions.
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Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 4 • April 2016
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 5, 2014
Accepted: Sep 9, 2015
Published online: Dec 30, 2015
Published in print: Apr 1, 2016
Discussion open until: May 30, 2016
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