What Is A Drought Full Definition?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A drought is

a period of time when an area or region experiences below-normal precipitation

. The lack of adequate precipitation, either rain or snow, can cause reduced soil moisture or groundwater, diminished stream flow, crop damage, and a general water shortage.

What are 4 types of drought?

As a result, the climatological community has defined four types of drought: 1) meteorological drought, 2) hydrological drought, 3) agricultural drought, and 4) socioeconomic drought.

What is the full meaning of drought?

1 :

a period of dryness especially when prolonged

specifically : one that causes extensive damage to crops or prevents their successful growth resistant to drought. 2 : a prolonged or chronic shortage or lack of something expected or desired a drought of creativity.

Does drought mean no rain?

A drought is

a period of drier-than-normal conditions

that results in water-related problems. Precipitation (rain or snow) falls in uneven patterns across the country. … When little or no rain falls, soils can dry out and plants can die.

What are 5 causes of drought?

  • 1) Land and water temperatures cause drought. …
  • 2) Air circulation and weather patterns also cause drought. …
  • 3) Soil moisture levels also contribute to drought. …
  • 4) Drought can also be a supply and demand of water issue.

What are some examples of drought?

  • 1935 Black Sunday (storm)
  • 1983 United States drought.
  • 1988–89 North American drought.
  • 2002 North American drought.
  • 2010–2013 Southern United States and Mexico drought.
  • 2011–2017 California drought.
  • 2012–13 North American drought.
  • 2016 New York drought.

What are the main causes of drought?


A lack of water in stores such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs and aquifers (water stored underground naturally)

can lead to drought. Areas that rely on rainfall and surface water are more likely to experience drought. Surface water quickly evaporates in warm, dry conditions leading to an increased risk of drought.

What is the most famous drought?


The 1930s “Dust Bowl” drought

remains the most significant drought—meteorological and agricultural—in the United States’ historical record.

How can we prevent drought?

Avoiding Overuse

Being mindful of the amount of water you use each day can be a powerful way to prevent droughts.

Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth

, watering your garden early in the morning so less water evaporates, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures all are good ways to prevent wasted water.

Will the drought ever end?


The droughts won’t all end at once

. … Drought experts largely agree that a wet season with strong, above-average precipitation will be enough to moisten the parched grounds in California and the Pacific Northwest, and to refill California’s dropping reservoirs.

Where does the water go during a drought?

Where does the water go?

Water is lost from the soil by evaporation from the soil surface

and by transpiration from the leaves of plants. The combination of these two factors is called evapotranspiration. Water is also lost as it drains through the soil beyond the reach of the plant roots.

Who is responsible for drought?

Answer Expert Verified.

Human beings

are responsible for the drought in Maharashtra in 2016. According to the water conservationist Rajendra Singh, the drought primarily occurred because the Indian Government lacked a serious attitude regarding water security.

What are effects of a drought?

Drought can also cause long-term public health problems, including:

Shortages of drinking water and poor quality drinking water

.

Impacts on air quality, sanitation and hygiene

, and food and nutrition. More disease, such as West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water.

What happens in a drought?

A drought is a period of time when

an area or region experiences below-normal precipitation

. The lack of adequate precipitation, either rain or snow, can cause reduced soil moisture or groundwater, diminished stream flow, crop damage, and a general water shortage. … A drought may last for weeks, months, or even years.

Does climate change cause drought?

Climate change, namely

rising average temperatures driven

by human-generated emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, is contributing to droughts, too.

What was the shortest drought?


The drought of 1980-82

was the least severe and had the shortest duration.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.