| [[File:Transpiration Overview.svg|thumb|1-Water molecules enter the roots passively. <br> 2-Once the water has entered the xylem, the forces of adhesion and cohesion take effect. Adhesion causes the molecules to adhere to sides of the vessels, and cohesion causes the molecules to adhere to each other, forming a column of water that extends from the roots to the top of the plant. <br> 3-Water from the xylem is let into the spongy mesophyll, where it can come into contact with stomata. When the stomata are open, the cells in this layer are exposed to the outside air, and evaporation occurs. When water molecules evaporate out of the stomata, they create tension in the water column, as the forces of cohesion pull nearby molecules up with them, creating pulling force down the length of the xylem. <br> Image from the Wikimedia commons, credit - Laurel Jules]] | | [[File:Transpiration Overview.svg|thumb|1-Water molecules enter the roots passively. <br> 2-Once the water has entered the xylem, the forces of adhesion and cohesion take effect. Adhesion causes the molecules to adhere to sides of the vessels, and cohesion causes the molecules to adhere to each other, forming a column of water that extends from the roots to the top of the plant. <br> 3-Water from the xylem is let into the spongy mesophyll, where it can come into contact with stomata. When the stomata are open, the cells in this layer are exposed to the outside air, and evaporation occurs. When water molecules evaporate out of the stomata, they create tension in the water column, as the forces of cohesion pull nearby molecules up with them, creating pulling force down the length of the xylem. <br> Image from the Wikimedia commons, credit - Laurel Jules]] |
| Evaporation is the abiotic phase transfer of water into atmospheric vapour. It occurs from all wet surfaces, including the leaves of plants and damp soil. The climatic factors which influence the rate of evaporation include: | | Evaporation is the abiotic phase transfer of water into atmospheric vapour. It occurs from all wet surfaces, including the leaves of plants and damp soil. The climatic factors which influence the rate of evaporation include: |