Which of the following statements is/are true for Potential Evapo Transpiration (PET)? i. It is defined as the evapotranspiration which would occur if there was always an adequate water supply available to a fully vegetated surface ii. It is the lower limit of evapotranspiration for a crop in a given climate
- AOnly (i)Correct
- BOnly (ii)
- CBoth (i) and (ii)
- DNeither (i) nor (ii)
Solution
Concept
Definition of potential evapotranspiration
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) describes the evapotranspiration that occurs when water supply is fully adequate for a vegetated surface. Answer: A
Explanation
Potential Evapotranspiration represents the maximum possible rate of evapotranspiration from a fully vegetated surface under unlimited soil moisture conditions. Statement i accurately reflects this standard definition, whereas PET represents the upper limit rather than the lower limit of evapotranspiration. Therefore, only statement i is correct, making option A the right answer.
Why the other options are wrong
B) Statement (i) is also true regarding the definition of PET with adequate water supply. D) Both statements (i) and (ii) are true regarding Potential Evapo Transpiration.
Shortcut
Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) assumes unlimited water supply and is the UPPER (not lower) limit of evapotranspiration.
Common mistake
Selecting option C by incorrectly assuming potential evapotranspiration represents the lower limit rather than the upper limit of evapotranspiration.
Correct answer: A) Only (i)