Vegetation
Phenomenon
Phenomenon
Evapotranspiration from plants has a cooling effect. Why?
Msp credit: NOAA
Temperature and rainfall affect the survival of plants. Plants absorb solar radiation for photosynthesis. Plants release water through a process called evapotranspiration. Evapotranspiration can have local cooling effect. In some cases, such as rainforests, plants release enough water to actually contribute to regional rainfall. When rainforests are cleared for agriculture, the climate changes.
Use a Model
Use a sling psychrometer to observe the cooling effect of evaporation.
- View the video.
- Use examples to explain this the statement: Climate affects biomes, but biomes can affect climate.