Validation of reference Evapotranspiration derived from automated weather station in semi-arid regions under global climate change conditions

The objective of the present study is to assess and test the performance of a network of automatic weather station (AWS) and carry out the inputs data comparison in spirit to determinate the parameter value that influences the evapotranspiration (ET) value under the semi-arid climate conditions. Therefore it requires the ground weather measurements from two sources which are synoptic and automated weather stations. Knowing the importance of ET in the water balance cycle, the present study tries to validate evapotranspiration by parameters derived from the modern weather station. All measurement test sites are located in semi-arid regions (Burkina Faso) to investigate spatial variability of climate in the North of the Volta basin. The aim is the characterization of regional reference ET and gives critical information of each sensor resistance and feature of micrometeorological station by the comparison with an existent value from Climwat (FAO data base).