Question

Evapotranspiration refers to which of the following processes?

• A. Movement of water through underground aquifers
• B. Surface runoff of water into rivers and lakes
• C. Combined loss of water to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration
• D. Conversion of water vapour into precipitation

Hint:

Remember: \[ \boxed{ ET = E + T } \] where \[ E=\text{Evaporation}, \qquad T=\text{Transpiration}. \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Evapotranspiration (ET) is the total water loss from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere due to evaporation from soil and water bodies, together with transpiration from plants.

Step 1: Understand evapotranspiration. It consists of \[ \boxed{ \text{Evapotranspiration} = \text{Evaporation} + \text{Transpiration} } \]

Step 2: Identify the correct definition. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Evapotranspiration is the combined loss of water through evaporation and plant transpiration}.} \] Therefore, the correct option is \[ \boxed{(C).} \]