Publication Citation

USGS Series Water-Resources Investigations Report
Report Number 89-4118
Title Measurement of evapotranspiration in phreatophyte areas, Smith Creek Valley and Carson Desert, west-central Nevada, 1983
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Carman, R. L.
Year 1993
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number (200) WRi no.89-4118
Physical description v,18 p. :ill., map ;28 cm.
ISBN

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Abstract

Evaporation from bare soils and evapotranspiration from phreatophyte areas are major sources of natural groundwater loss in the Great Basin region of Nevada, Utah, and adjacent states. This study evaluated three methods for determining evapotrans- piration under natural conditions and provides quantitative estimates of evapotranspiration. Two of the methods used, the eddy-correlation and the Bowen ratio methods, measure actual evapotrans- piration under natural conditions, whereas the Penman method measures potential evapotranspiration. Phreatophytes at the Smith Creek Valley site (near Austin, Nev.) consist mainly of rabbitbrush. Actual evapotranspiration for 1983 at this site, estimated by the eddy-correlation method, was about 0.32 m/yr, compared with a calculated potential evapotrans- piration (measured by the Penman method) of about 2.0 m/yr. Phreatophytes at the Carson Desert site (near Fallon, Nev.) consist predominantly of greasewood. Estimated actual evapotranspiration at this site for 1983 (eddy-correlation method) was 0.18 m/yr, compared with a calculated potential evapotranspiration (Penman method) of 1.8 m/yr.