A desert is an area in which
A) actual and potential evapotranspiration rates are roughly equal.
B) actual evapotranspiration rates exceed potential evapotranspiration rates.
C) potential evapotranspiration rates exceed actual evapotranspiration rates.
D) hot conditions exist throughout the year.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A desert is characterized by a lack of precipitation and water availability, leading to low levels of actual evapotranspiration. However, potential evapotranspiration, which is the amount of water that can potentially be lost through evaporation and transpiration based on climatic conditions, is often high in desert regions due to the hot and dry conditions. Thus, in a desert area, potential evapotranspiration rates are likely to exceed actual evapotranspiration rates.

A Desert Is an Area in Which