2.1 - California Drought

Question 1

Water Stress

Answer 1

When the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period, or when poor water quality restricts water usage.

Question 2

What Does Water Stress Lead To?

Answer 2

Deterioration of freshwater resources in terms of quantity and quality

Question 3

Meterological Drought

Answer 3

When long-term precipitation is much lower than normal, however it’s difficult to officially determine when precipitation goes from low to a drought.

Question 4

Agricultural Drought

Answer 4

Insufficient soil moisture to meet farmer’s needs, caused by multiple factors: Precipitation shortages and evapotranspiration, resulting in crop failure/underdeveloped crops.

Question 5

Hydrological Drought

Answer 5

Deficiencies in surface/subsurface water supplies in rivers, reservoirs, lakes and groundwater. Moreso the long-term effects of a drought.

Question 6

Socio-Economic Drought

Answer 6

When economic/social water demand exceeds water supplies, either overused or a shortfall in precipitation.

Question 7

California Drought

Answer 7

34% less rainfall in 2013.
13 consecutive months in 2014 without rain.
5x their rain was needed for hydrological recovery.
Farmers had to over-extract water but this made the drought worse.

Question 8

Meterological Causes

Answer 8

ENSO leads to La Niña which reduces rainfall.

Question 9

Hydrological Causes

Answer 9

CA relies on snowfall for its water supply and snowpack has reduced from above average to well below.