Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is the difference between the amount of moisture in the air and the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature. This concept is crucial for understanding evaporation and transpiration processes, as a higher VPD indicates drier air, which can increase the rate of water loss from surfaces, including plants. In the context of the hydrologic cycle, VPD influences how water moves from soil and vegetation into the atmosphere, affecting both local and regional water balances.
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