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Drought in Australia

dryest continent on earth, 3/4 of land is arid, flat vast land

dry climate means insufficient rain; extended periods with no rainfall; cannot recharge aquifers

But reliable rainfall occurs near mountains and coasts

Causes of drought

Varying rainfall patterns

southern oscillations from El Nino due to high pressure from loss of warm currents

Indian ocean dipole - fluctuation of sea surface temperatures so becomes higher than average

positive phase- more rainfall in west indian ocean

Southern Annula modes

positive phase- closer cold fronts, antarctic winds speed up so less rain in Southern Australia

Negative phase- revese effects, more rainfall

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