Types/Causes of drought

Question 1

Types of drought

Meteorological

Answer 1

when the amount of precipitation received in a specific area is less than the average.

Question 2

(ENSO) El nino

Metrological drought CAUSE

Answer 2

As the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean around the central South American coast increases, storm patterns are disrupted. This phenomenon is thought to create droughts in Indonesia and Australia.

Question 3

Define drought

Answer 3

Droughts occur when there is abnormally low rainfall for an extended period of time, which is unusual to usual climate.

A lack of water vapour in the atmosphere means there is less precipitation and more chance of drought. High-pressure systems reduce evaporation and moisture in the atmosphere.

Question 4

Types of drought

Agricultural

Answer 4

When drought impacts on agricultural activities, eg reduced soil moisture or reservoir levels required for irrigation.

Question 5

Types of drought

Hydrological

Answer 5

when reduced precipitation impacts on water supply, eg there is decreased streamflow, soil moisture, reservoir and lake levels, and groundwater.

Question 6

(ENSO) La nina

Meteorological drought CAUSE

Answer 6

as the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean around the central South American coast decreases, storms are again disrupted and North and South America are prone to droughts.