Quantification of spatio-temporal variations of potential evapotranspiration in lower Chenab Canal East

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Abstract
Potential Evapotranspiration (ETo) is a major component of the hydrologic cycle whose precise estimation is central to water allocation, water resource management, irrigation scheduling, and hydrologic water balance studies. Present study was conducted to quantify the spatio-temporal variation in the command of Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) East, Rechna Doab, Pakistan. The ETo was calculated using globally recognized Penman Monteith method in Cropwat 8.0 for 30-year average climatic data of four weather stations. Spatial analysis of data was performed by employing IDW interpolation technique in Arc GIS-10.1. The increasing trend was more pronounced from January to June and decreasing trend was observed from June to January. The maximum ETo 7.95 mm/day was observed in hottest month of June, whereas minimum ETo 1.55 mm/day was observed in month of January. The interpolated results of ETo showed resemblance to local climatic condition and observed lowest ETo 1641mm/yr at head and highest ETo1777 mm/yr at tail of the study area. The results revealed that the 72% ETo occurs in kharif season whereas, only 28% remains in rabi season. Local weathers parameters i.e. air temperature and sunshine hours are main cause of spatial variation in ETo whereas, regional climate conditions contribute for temporal changes. Study confirmed high water demand during kharif period and increasing aridity toward tail of canal command. The results of research are useful for planning and efficient use of available water resources. Future work could be performed by using advanced techniques and should be linked to climate change scenario.

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