Evaporation Modelling in Data Scarce Tropical Region of the Eastern Arc Mountain Catchments of Tanzania
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Engineering and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This paper focuses on developing methods for both potential and actual evapotranspiration (ET)
models for the data scarce conditions of the Eastern Arc Mountains catchment of Tanzania. For reliable
estimation of the components of the hydrological cycle and plant water uptake, potential ET estimates
are required, and for catchment water balance actual ET estimates are needed. These potential and
actual ET estimates, however, depend on reliable and good quality data records. The study catchments
in this work are characterised by general lack of reliable meteorological (MET) data, though good
records of rainfall, flow and pan evaporation data do exist in a few places. In the study reported here
the Penman-Monteith (P-M) estimates were found to be closer to the pan evaporation model in areas
where reliable records of pan data exist. By comparison, estimates derived solely from temperature (i.e.
the Standard Thornthwaite method), were a lot lower. Assuming the P-M estimates to be reliable, new
temperature based regional equations were developed using data obtained from six climate stations.
The study also presents simpler methods for estimating actual ET from catchments.
Description
Keywords
Evaporation Modelling, Eastern Arc Mountains, Standard Thornthwaite Model, Penman Monteith Model, Turc and Pike’s Model, Water Budget
Citation
Zemadim, B., Mtalo, F., Mkhandi, S., Kachroo, R. and McCartney, M., 2011. Evaporation Modelling in Data Scarce Tropical Region of the Eastern Arc Mountain Catchments of Tanzania. Nile Basin Water Science & Engineering Journal, 4(1).