Megadroughts in California

Question 1

Megadroughts in California

Answer 1

A megadrought is defined more by its duration than its severity. They are extreme dry spells that can last for a decade or longer.
California is in the third year of one of the worst droughts in the past century.
However, water supplies were already stocked up prior to the drought, easing the situation.

Question 2

Environmental impacts:

Answer 2

About 1000 more wildfires than usual have occurred.
Prolonged drought threatens wildlife.

Question 3

Economic Impacts:

Answer 3

Last year, farmers harvested 640,000 fewer acres, but crop revenue remained strong.
Farms have adopted more efficient water management technologies.

Question 4

Social Impacts:

Answer 4

Water shortages and restrictions.
Competition over water supply for agriculture, domestic use, and aquatic ecosystems - could escalate to conflict over water use.

Question 5

Causes of the drought:

Answer 5

In normal winters, southwest winds from the ocean deliver water. Recently, for unexplained reasons, these winds have failed California.
Tree ring studies: Very little of the California drought can be attributed to climate change with any certainty.
Cooler water temperatures - known as La Ninas - tend to produce drier conditions in the west. El Nino conditions would cause above-average rainfall.

Question 6

Previous Droughts:

Answer 6

Dust Bowl (1930s) - spanned 8 years in certain parts of the great plains. It was the worst American drought in the last 300 years, causing mass migration westward.
Great plains Drought (1950s) - At its peak in 1954, it covered 62% of the country.