Environmental Thematic Maps and Graphics:
Average annual potential evapotranspiration, by ecoprovince, 1979 to 2016

The title of this map is “Average annual potential evapotranspiration, by ecoprovince, 1979 to 2016.” This map provides a visual representation of the average potential evapotranspiration across Canada.

On the page, there is one large map of Canada, a legend to the upper right and a scale bar below. The map delineates ecoprovinces with a thin black boundary line and ecoprovinces are labeled with a code. Fine black dashed lines show provincial and territorial boundaries. Below the map, ecoprovince codes and their corresponding names are listed for reference.

The map shows varying amounts of average annual potential evapotranspiration symbolized in different shades of green to blue. The darker the colour, the higher the value.

The unit of measurement is millimetres (mm). The legend contains five categories: 800 to 1,000 (navy blue), 600 to less than 800 (blue), 400 to less than 600 (turquoise), 200 to less than 400 (light lime green) and 0 to less than 200 (white).

The map shows that generally, average potential evapotranspiration is highest in southern Canada, becoming progressively lower in northern Canada.

Note: Potential evapotranspiration represents the evapotranspiration that would occur without limitations on water supply and is therefore linked to the amount of energy available to generate evapotranspiration in a specific area and is independent of water supply.

Sources:
Li, Z., S. Wang and J. Li, 2020, “Spatial variations and long-term trends of potential evapotranspiration in Canada,” Scientific Reports, Vol. 10, no. 22089, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78994-9 (accessed February 3, 2021);
Wang, S., et al., 2014, “Assessment of water budget for sixteen large drainage basins in Canada,” Journal of Hydrology, Vol. 512, pp. 1-15, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.02.058 (accessed December 11, 2020).