Evaluation of the performance of CFSR reanalysis data set for estimating reference evapotranspiration (ET0) in Turkey

Evapotranspiration is a key process and necessary parameter for hydrological, meteorological, agricultural studies. However, the calculation of actual evapotranspiration very challenging costly. Therefore, reference (ET0) calculated using meteorological data generally preferred over evapotranspiration. it to get complete accurate from meteorology stations in rural mountainous regions. This study examined suitability Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) reanalysis set as an alternative observation compute seasonal seven different climatic regions Turkey. The ET0 calculations CFSR dataset 1987-2017 were compared at 259 weather observed As result statistical evaluations, has been determined that most successful predicted season winter (C’ = 0.64-0.89, SPAEF= 0.63-0.81). estimations this obtained coastal areas with low elevations. weakest summer 0.52-0.85, 0.59-0.77). These results show estimation ability satisfactory area. In addition, tends overestimate data, especially southern western findings indicate are relatively should be evaluated before being used, models.