Droughts

Droughts

1. is when there is a lack of rain or less rain than usual over a long period of time.

2. Causes:

   • Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns altering storm tracks and wind patterns.
   • Air in a high pressure systems sinks and rain clouds generally do not form.
   • El niño
     • is a weather event where the surface water in a Pacific Ocean along South America rises in temperature.
     • The warm water alter storm patterns and can cause droughts, especifically in Australia
     • Last less than a year
   • Agricultural practices
     • This make land more vulnerable
   • Deforestation
     • the lack of trees decreases soil infiltration and increases soil erosion.
   • Building a dam on a large river
     • Reduce the flow of the water
   • La niña
     • The surface water in the Pacific Ocean along South America decreases in temperature
     • Last for 1-3 years

3. Consequences

   • Water sources dry up
   • Loss of crops, farm animals, plants and wildlife
   • Introduce measures to drain more water
   • Food prices increase
   • Decrease in land prices and the amount of unployments increase, so farmers lose money
   • Health problems
   • Plants diseases and insects infestations
   • Soil erosion and desertification
   • Conflict over water water usage and food
   • Rural communities may break up
   • Increase risk of wildfires and poor air qualities