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How to Collect Data on Water Evaporation

Water evaporation data may reflect several variables, including the rate at which water is changed from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). The National Weather Service collects evaporation data from locations across the country every year. This data is analyzed and compiled in an annual evaporation map. The annual evaporation varies from place to place and from day to day, influenced by factors such as temperature, sunshine, wind and humidity.

Things You'll Need

Large metal pan with straight sides
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Place the pan in a location where it can receive direct sunlight all day.
- 2
  Fill the pan with water and measure the depth of the water with a ruler.
- 3
  Allow the pan to sit for a few days, and then measure the depth of the water again. Subtract this measurement from the original depth to find out how much water evaporated.
- 4
  Record the measurement and refill the pan to begin again. Continue taking measurements for one year.
- 5
  Add all of the measurements together at the end of the year to find out how much water evaporated in a year̵7;s time. Divide this number by 365 to get the average daily evaporation rate.

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