deficits in the hydrological cycle

Question 1

what are the four types of drought?

Answer 1

1. meteorological
2. agricultural
3. hydrological
4. famine

Question 2

what is meteorological drought? (definition, major causes features and impacts)

Answer 2

definition: shortfalls in precipitin as a result of short-term variability or longer term trends leading to a longer dry period. May be perennial in semiarid/arid areas.
causes: natural weather variations, long term changes climate change el Nino desication caused by deforestation.
features: low precipitation, high temp, high wind, strong sunshine, low humidity all increases evaporation
impacts: loss of soil moister, reduced supply for irrigation

Question 3

what is agricultural drought? (definition, major causes features and impacts)

Answer 3

definition: rainfall deficiency from meteorological drought leads to a deficiency of soil moister and soil water availability with a knock on affect on planet growth.
causes: overgrazing, irrigating
features: low evapotranspiration, plant stress, reduced biomass, fall in ground water.
impacts: poor yields, failing irrigation systems, reduction in pasture quality and live stock health, rule industries effected may need government aid.

Question 4

what is hydrological drought? (definition, major causes features and impacts)

Answer 4

definition: associated with reduced stream flow and ground water levels which decrease because of reduced precipitation an increased evaporation.
causes: reduced precipatation
features: reduced infiltration, soil moister, little percolation and groundwater recharge.
impacts: reduced storage in lakes/reservoirs, reduced supply, poorer water quality, threats to wetland.

Question 5

what is famine drought? (definition, major causes features and impacts)

Answer 5

definition: humanitarian crises caused by widespread failure of agricultural systems leading to food shortages and severe human economic and environmental impacts
causes: other droughts
features: loss of vegetation, increased wild fires , increased soil erosion desertification.
impacts: rural economy collapses, rural urban migration, increased malnutrition. international aid needed