The Big Dry in Australia Flashcards
1
Q
When was The Big Dry?
A
2001 - 2009
2
Q
What was The Big Dry?
A
It was Australia’s driest period in 125 years.
3
Q
Where was the Big Dry?
A
It was in East Australia.
4
Q
What was the worst affected area?
A
It was the Murray-Darling Basin which was an important agriculture region.
5
Q
What were human causes of The Big Dry?
A
- Deforestation which lead to less evapotranspiration and less rainfall
- Excessive use of water reduces water levels undergound
- Overgrazing
6
Q
What were physical causes of The Big Dry?
A
- El Nino
- Drought prone
- Irregular rain patterns
- High pressure zone
7
Q
What were successful responses of The Big Dry?
A
- More efficient irrigation systems
- Calculating amount of water that can sustainably be used by states
- A new multi-million de-salinisation system
- Paying out $1.7 million to farmers a day
8
Q
What were unsuccessful responses to the Big Dry?
A
- Legislation to ban car washing and limit 4 minute showers
- Subsiding rainwater in storage tanks for homes. It didn’t rain!
