Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff

The generalized proportionality hypothesis (GPH) highlights the competitive relationships among hydrological components as precipitation (P) transforms into runoff (Q) and evapotranspiration (E), providing a novel perspective on E partitioning that differs from the traditional physical source-based...

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Main Authors: Changwu Cheng, Wenzhao Liu, Rui Chen, Zhaotao Mu, Xiaoyang Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Remote Sensing
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1203
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author Changwu Cheng
Wenzhao Liu
Rui Chen
Zhaotao Mu
Xiaoyang Han
author_facet Changwu Cheng
Wenzhao Liu
Rui Chen
Zhaotao Mu
Xiaoyang Han
author_sort Changwu Cheng
collection DOAJ
description The generalized proportionality hypothesis (GPH) highlights the competitive relationships among hydrological components as precipitation (P) transforms into runoff (Q) and evapotranspiration (E), providing a novel perspective on E partitioning that differs from the traditional physical source-based approach. To achieve sequential partitioning of E into initial (E<sub>i</sub>) and continuing (E<sub>c</sub>) evapotranspiration under the GPH, a P-Q relationship-based E<sub>i</sub> estimation method was proposed for the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) catchments. On this basis, we analyzed the relationship between the GPH-based E components and the physical source-based ones separated by the Penman-Monteith-Mu algorithm. Additionally, we explored the differences between the calculated and inverse Budyko-WT model parameter (E<sub>i</sub>/E) and discussed the implications for the Budyko framework. The results showed the following: (1) A significant linear P-Q relationship (<i>p</i> < 0.05) prevailed in the MOPEX catchments, providing a robust data foundation for E<sub>i</sub> estimation. Across the MOPEX catchments, E<sub>i</sub> and E<sub>c</sub> contributed 73% and 27% of total E, respectively. (2) The combined proportion of evaporation from canopy interception and wet soil averaged about 25%, and it was much lower than that of E<sub>i</sub>, indicating that it was difficult to establish a connection between E<sub>i</sub> and the physical source-based E components. (3) The potential evapotranspiration (E<sub>P</sub>) satisfying the Budyko-WT model was strictly constrained by the GPH, while the inappropriate E<sub>P</sub> estimation method largely explained the discrepancy between the calculated and inverse E<sub>i</sub>/E. This study deepens the knowledge of the sequential partitioning of E components, uncovers the discrepancies between different E partitioning frameworks, and provides new insights into the characterization of key variables in Budyko models.
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spelling doaj-art-076dd75521ba41a1ae3cf974b0a2eedc2025-08-20T03:08:59ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922025-03-01177120310.3390/rs17071203Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and RunoffChangwu Cheng0Wenzhao Liu1Rui Chen2Zhaotao Mu3Xiaoyang Han4State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, the Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling 712100, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, the Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling 712100, ChinaCollege of Resources and Environment, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, the Research Center of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Education, Yangling 712100, ChinaCollege of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, ChinaThe generalized proportionality hypothesis (GPH) highlights the competitive relationships among hydrological components as precipitation (P) transforms into runoff (Q) and evapotranspiration (E), providing a novel perspective on E partitioning that differs from the traditional physical source-based approach. To achieve sequential partitioning of E into initial (E<sub>i</sub>) and continuing (E<sub>c</sub>) evapotranspiration under the GPH, a P-Q relationship-based E<sub>i</sub> estimation method was proposed for the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) catchments. On this basis, we analyzed the relationship between the GPH-based E components and the physical source-based ones separated by the Penman-Monteith-Mu algorithm. Additionally, we explored the differences between the calculated and inverse Budyko-WT model parameter (E<sub>i</sub>/E) and discussed the implications for the Budyko framework. The results showed the following: (1) A significant linear P-Q relationship (<i>p</i> < 0.05) prevailed in the MOPEX catchments, providing a robust data foundation for E<sub>i</sub> estimation. Across the MOPEX catchments, E<sub>i</sub> and E<sub>c</sub> contributed 73% and 27% of total E, respectively. (2) The combined proportion of evaporation from canopy interception and wet soil averaged about 25%, and it was much lower than that of E<sub>i</sub>, indicating that it was difficult to establish a connection between E<sub>i</sub> and the physical source-based E components. (3) The potential evapotranspiration (E<sub>P</sub>) satisfying the Budyko-WT model was strictly constrained by the GPH, while the inappropriate E<sub>P</sub> estimation method largely explained the discrepancy between the calculated and inverse E<sub>i</sub>/E. This study deepens the knowledge of the sequential partitioning of E components, uncovers the discrepancies between different E partitioning frameworks, and provides new insights into the characterization of key variables in Budyko models.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1203generalized proportionality hypothesisBudyko frameworkevapotranspiration componentsprecipitation-runoff relationshipinitial evapotranspirationMOPEX catchments
spellingShingle Changwu Cheng
Wenzhao Liu
Rui Chen
Zhaotao Mu
Xiaoyang Han
Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
Remote Sensing
generalized proportionality hypothesis
Budyko framework
evapotranspiration components
precipitation-runoff relationship
initial evapotranspiration
MOPEX catchments
title Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
title_full Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
title_fullStr Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
title_full_unstemmed Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
title_short Two-Stage Evapotranspiration Partitioning Under the Generalized Proportionality Hypothesis Based on the Interannual Relationship Between Precipitation and Runoff
title_sort two stage evapotranspiration partitioning under the generalized proportionality hypothesis based on the interannual relationship between precipitation and runoff
topic generalized proportionality hypothesis
Budyko framework
evapotranspiration components
precipitation-runoff relationship
initial evapotranspiration
MOPEX catchments
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1203
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