UK Drought 2012

What percentage of average rainfall did most of England receive during the 2012 drought?

• Over 135%
• 125–135%
• 75–85%
• 55–75%

Answer explanation

Most of England received 55–75% of average rainfall during this period.

Which weather condition contributed to the 2012 drought in the UK?

• Cold winter winds from Europe
• Warm dry winds from the east
• Heavy Atlantic storms
• Prolonged snowfall

Answer explanation

Unusual wind patterns brought dry winds from Europe instead of wet Atlantic winds.

Why was it difficult for rainfall to replenish water supplies during the 2012 drought?

• Soils were saturated
• Soils were frozen
• Soils were dry and baked hard
• Soils were overly compacted

Answer explanation

Dry soils in the affected areas made it hard for water to soak in.

What was the main cause of water shortages in the UK during the 2012 drought?

• Excessive industrial use
• Overuse in farming
• Household leaks
• Less than 85% average rainfall

Answer explanation

The drought resulted from less than 85% of average rainfall over two years.

Which area was most affected by the drought in 2012?

• Northern Scotland
• Southern England
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Answer explanation

Southern England experienced the most severe impacts of the drought.

What caused warmer than usual temperatures during the drought in 2012?

• Climate change
• High-pressure systems
• Cold fronts
• Volcanic eruptions

Answer explanation

High-pressure systems contributed to warmer weather during the drought.

Which environmental problem occurred due to the drought in 2012?

• Flooding
• Wildfires
• Soil erosion
• Tornadoes

Answer explanation

Wildfires broke out in areas of moorland during the drought.

How much water was used daily in the UK during the drought?

• 10 billion litres
• 12 billion litres
• 15 billion litres
• 17 billion litres

Answer explanation

17 billion litres of water were used every day.

What measures did water companies take during the 2012 drought?

• Banned drinking water
• Granted permits to extract water from rivers
• Imported water from other countries
• Stopped supplying water to homes

Answer explanation

Permits allowed companies to extract water from rivers to address shortages.

What was banned in households during the drought?

• Using washing machines
• Hosepipe use for gardens and cars
• Showering for more than 2 minutes
• Cooking with tap water

Answer explanation

Around 20 million people were banned from using hosepipes.