Briefly,explain about the causes and conse- quences of drought answer
Answers
Causes of Drought
- Rainfall or Precipitation Deficiency
Droughts take place whenever there is prolonged periods of rainfall deficiency for a season or more and usually when there is a lack of anticipated rainfall or precipitation. When a region goes for long periods without any rain, especially for more than a season, then the situation leads to dry conditions and water deficiency which qualify as drought. Farmers, for instance, plant in expectation of rain and so when it doesn’t rain as expected, drought conditions are experienced. In such cases, it is frequently termed as agricultural drought.
- Human Causes
Human activities play a relatively significant role in the management of the water cycle. Human acts such as deforestation, construction, and agriculture negatively impact the water cycle. Trees and vegetation cover are essential for the water cycle as it helps to limit evaporation, stores water, and attracts rainfall. In this sense, deforestation – clearing vegetation cover and cutting down trees increases evaporation and lessens the ability of the soil to hold water leading to increased susceptibility of desertification. Deforestation can also influence the occurrence of dry conditions since it reduces forest’s watershed potential. Construction and agricultural activities may as well reduce the overall supply quantity of water, resulting in dry spells.
- Drying out of Surface Water Flow
Lakes, rivers, and streams are the primary suppliers of downstream surface waters in various geographical regions around the globe. In extremely hot seasons or because of certain human activities, these surface water flows may dry out downstream contributing to drought – meaning the demands for water supply become higher than the available water.Irrigation systems and hydro-electric dams are some of the human activities that can significantly diminish the amount of water flowing downstream to other areas.
- Global Warming
Human actions have contributed to more and more emissions of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere thus resulting in the continued rise of the earth’s average temperatures. Consequently, evaporation and evapo-transpiration levels have risen, and the higher temperatures have led to wildfires and extended dry spell periods. The global warming situation tends to exacerbate the drought conditions. Some of the worst droughts witnessed in sub-Saharan Africa have been associated with global warming and climate change.
Consequences of Drought
- Drying out of water bodies
Surface waters such as lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks, streams and lagoons dry out during extended dry conditions which destroy natural habitats. Most especially, aquatic life and other wildlife dependent on these water bodies die or become endangered, destroying the entire food chain and alters the ecosystem.
- Reduction in soil quality
Soil moisture, essential for soil microbial activities, is reduced in drought conditions. As a result, soil quality is lowered because of minimized organic activity and continued dry spell which kills soil organisms. The end result is dry and cracked soil and it even becomes easier for decertification to occur.
- Unsuitable conditions for plant and vegetation survival
Drought conditions make it unsuitable for plants and vegetation cover to survive. Besides, fertile lands are lost as a result of drought, and in consequence, desertification sets in. Desertification is whereby the lands become infertile and bare, frequently as a result of overgrazing and is exacerbated by drought which makes it difficult for such lands to recover.
- Migration and even death of Animals and Wildlife
Animals and wildlife are forced to migrate in drought conditions since they have to move for long distances to get water and food. The prevailing circumstances during droughts also make it difficult for the survival of the animals. When the wildlife and animals migrate, they end up in new locations where they can be vulnerable, endangered because of new threats. This leads to loss of biodiversity and disruption of the natural ecosystems.
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Drought➫ A natural disaster of below-average precipitation in a given region resulting in prolonged shortages in the water supply.
♦ When it occurs their food supply can shrink & their habitat can be damaged.
♦ A drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after as few as 15 days.
➧ Types 0f Drought are:-
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[1] Meteorological Drought:-
❱ The magnitude of a precipitation shortfall & the duration of this shortfall event.
[2] Hydrological Drought:-
❱ The deficiencies in surface & sub-surface water supplies leading to a lack of water for normal & specific needs.
[3] Agricultural Drought
❱ The circumstances when soil moisture is insufficient & results in the lack of crop growth & production.
[4] Socio-Economic Drought:-
❱ The demand of some Economic good with elements of Meteorological, agricultural & Hydrological drought.
➧ Causes 0f Drought are:-
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❱ Land & water temperatures cause drought.
❱ Air circulation & weather patterns also cause drought.
❱ Soil moisture levels also contribute to drought.
❱ It can also be a supply & demand of water issue.
➧ Effects 0f Drought are:-
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❱ It affect crop production.
❱ It affect the ecology of the range.
❱ Food supply can shrink.
❱ Habitat can be damaged.
❱ Increase in disease in wild animals.
❱ It also impact the migration of people.
➧ Prevention 0f Drought are:-
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❱ Use mulch to reduce evaporation.
❱ Till your soil so it absorbs more water.
❱ Use turf sparingly and only when necessary.
❱ Choose native plants that use less water.
❱ Raise the height of your lawnmower.
➧ Precautions 0f Drought are:-
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❱ Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.
❱ Avoid taking baths.
❱ Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth.
❱ Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
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