What is the definition of evaporation?

Evaporation is a process by which water is transformed from liquid to a gaseous state. Heat is the main cause of evaporation. The temperature at which the water starts evaporating is referred to as the latent heat of vapourisation.

An increase in temperature increases the water absorption and retention capacity of the given parcel of air. Similarly, if the moisture content is low, the air has the potentiality of absorbing and retain moisture. The movement of air replaces the saturated layer with the unsaturated layer. Hence, the greater the movement of air, the greater is the evaporation.

Further Reading:

• The Hydrologic Cycle
• Evaporation And Condensation