1. What is Lake Evaporation Rate?

Lake evaporation rate measures the volume of water lost from a lake surface due to evaporation over a specific time period. It's essential for water resource management, irrigation planning, and environmental monitoring.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the evaporation rate formula:

Where:

• \( SA \) — Surface area of the lake (square feet)
• \( ER \) — Evaporation rate (inches per day)
• \( 7.48 \) — Conversion factor (gallons per cubic foot)
• \( 12 \) — Conversion factor (inches to feet)

Explanation: The formula calculates daily water loss by converting the evaporation depth to volume and then to gallons.

3. Importance of Evaporation Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate evaporation rate calculation helps in water conservation planning, reservoir management, agricultural irrigation scheduling, and climate change studies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter surface area in square feet and evaporation rate in inches per day. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect lake evaporation rates?
A: Temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, and water quality all influence evaporation rates.

Q2: How is evaporation rate typically measured?
A: Using evaporation pans, meteorological data, or direct measurement methods like lysimeters.

Q3: What are typical evaporation rates for lakes?
A: Rates vary by climate - from 0.1 inches/day in cool climates to 0.4+ inches/day in hot, arid regions.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for ponds and reservoirs?
A: Yes, the formula applies to any water body where surface area and evaporation rate are known.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual rates may vary based on local conditions and measurement accuracy.