Over rocky surfaces with no plant cover, the potential evaporation is, then the actual evaporation a) equal to b) much greater than c) less than

The correct option is : B) much greater than    

Explanation:

Potential evaporation is defined as the ability of the atmosphere to carry out the process of evaporation from the surface of the earth.

Actual evaporation is the amount of water actually evaporated from the surface into the atmosphere.

Transpiration is the evaporation of water from the leaves, stems and the flowers of the plants into the atmosphere.

In the absence of plants, transpiration becomes zero and thus, the ability of the atmosphere to carry out the process of evaporation increases.

Therefore, potential evaporation is much greater than the actual evaporation, in the absence of plants.