Understanding Droughts

What is the primary cause of a drought?

• High temperatures

• Strong winds

• Prolonged lack of precipitation

• Excessive sunshine

Which type of rain is most effective in alleviating drought?

• Light showers

• Extended soaking rains

• Drizzle

• Thunderstorms

Who is most directly impacted by droughts?

• Race car drivers

• Accountants

• Cashiers

• Farmers

What is a drought in meteorological terms?

• A period of high winds

• A short period of heavy rain

• A sudden increase in temperature

• A prolonged period of lower-than-normal precipitation

What can be a human factor contributing to droughts?

• Increasing rainfall

• Building more reservoirs

• Planting more trees

• Overuse of water resources

What was a significant drought event in the 1930s in the United States?

• The Great Flood

• The Dust Bowl

• The Big Freeze

• Hurricane Katrina

What happens to rivers during a drought?

• They overflow

• They dry up

• They freeze

• They become more navigable

How does a drought typically end?

• With a single heavy rainfall

• With an extended period of above-average precipitation

• With a sudden drop in temperature

• With a change in wind direction

What is a common misconception about droughts?

• They are always short-lived

• They can occur in any climate

• They only affect desert areas

• They are caused by a lack of clouds

What is a potential consequence of a severe drought?

• Decreased food supplies

• Abundant water supply

• Increased crop yield

• More frequent rain