Australia Drought

Question 1

Define Serious Deficiency and Severe Deficiency in terms of rainfall.

Answer 1

Serious Deficiency: Rainfall totals 10% of values recorded for at least 3 months.

Severe Deficiency: Rainfall within the lowest 5% of values on record for at least 3 months.

Question 2

What percentage of Australia is affected by drought each year?

Answer 2

30%

Question 3

What is “The Big Dry,” and when did it occur?

Answer 3

“The Big Dry” occurred from 2002-2009 and was believed to be a 1-in-1000 year event.

Question 4

Which region was worst affected by “The Big Dry,” and what percentage of Australia’s agricultural outputs does it produce?

Answer 4

The Murray-Darling basin was worst affected, producing 50% of the country’s agricultural outputs.

Question 5

How much revenue was lost due to reduced tourism to the Murray-Darling drainage basin during “The Big Dry”?

Answer 5

$70 million AUD

Question 6

What was the level of reservoirs during “The Big Dry”?

Answer 6

Reservoirs fell to 40%.

Question 7

What are the main threats contributing to drought conditions in Australia?

Answer 7

El Niño effect and Climate Change.