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Title: Spatial variability of global lake evaporation regulated by vertical vapor pressure difference
Abstract Evaporation ( E ) from about 300 million lakes worldwide without plant physiological constraints directly reflects hydrological response to atmospheric forcings. However, it remains inadequately understood about what regulate spatial variability of global lake E across seasons. Here we show that vertical vapor pressure difference ( e D ) accounts for 66% of the spatial variability of annual E , followed by wind speed (16%). The e D is also the predominant factor modulating diurnal variability in E and causing greater E at night than during the daytime. As a consequence, spatial variability in nighttime E strongly regulates that in global E across seasons. Therefore, the observed widespread, heterogeneous changes in lake surface temperature that imply spatial variability in e D may have contributed to changes in global E variability.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2006281 2003076
PAR ID:
10326582
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Environmental Research Letters
Volume:
17
Issue:
5
ISSN:
1748-9326
Page Range / eLocation ID:
054006
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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