Abstract
Reference evapotranspiration (ET0) can be estimated on basis of pan evaporation data (Epan), whose measurements have the advantage of low cost, simplicity of the measuring equipment, simple data interpretation and application as well as suitability for locations with limited availability of meteorological data. Epan values were converted to ET0 using the pan evaporation coefficient (Kpan). In this study, seven common Kpan equations were evaluated for prediction of ET0 in the growing season (April to October) in arid region of Iran. The Cuenca approach was best suited compared to the standard FAO Penman–Monteith method (FAO-56 PM).
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to express a gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO) for access to the weather station data. Authors are also grateful to editor and two anonymous reviewers and Mr. Namvar, a professor at the Islamic Azad University of Kashan, for their comments.