UK 2012 Drought Flashcards
Less rain was a factor of the drought
The area affected by the drought received only 55-95% of usual rainfall between April 2010 and May 2012
Warmer temperatures was a factor of the drought
Warmer weather than usual so water from reservoirs evaporated and soil dried out
Dry soils was a factor of the drought
The rain that did fall could not soak into the ground as the soil was baked hard
High water usage was a factor of the drought
1.7 billion L of water is used every day due to people in the habit of using large amounts
Consequences of the drought
Problems with farming - Water shortages made finding water for crops and livestock difficult. A dry ground also caused problems for harvest
Environmental damage - Wildfires across dry areas of moorland. River water was used t boost supplies which reduced river levels - lead to increased mortality rates across fish species. Tree species also suffered
Restrictions in homes - hosepipe bands of about 20 million people
Responses to the drought
Permits were granted to allow water companies to extract water from rivers
People were to reduce their time in the shower by 4 minutes
Hosepipe bands
Campaigns to get people to use less water in the home. The Environment agency gave tips such as keeping a jug of water in the fridge
What happened from April 2012
Change in weather patterns - highest rainfall in record from April to July 2012
