Landscape Dynamics and Evapotranspiration

Surface characteristics and the availability of moisture are factors influencing evapotranspiration. Energy from incoming solar radiation is fractioned into sensible heat (raising temperature), latent heat (evapotranspiration) and change in stored energy. Non-vegetated dry surfaces appropriate more of the incoming energy into sensible heat resulting in an increase in surface temperature. Evapotranspiration has a surface cooling effect. Surface characteristics and energy flux fractionation have implications on regional hydrologic processes affecting water resources. Land degradation and desert expansion can be attributed to a decrease in vegetated surface and changes in energy fractionation. On the contrary, climate modulating benefits of urban greening, wetland restoration and afforestation can be cited. Case studies of landscape change impact on regional climate have been reported in Africa, Brazil, China and the United States.