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Droughts
By Shane Stover
Definition
Types
A drought is characterized by an extended period of time of below
average precipitation leading to an inability to fulfill the needs of the
surrounding ecosystems.
 Meteorological
Severity
 Agricultural
Africa
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South Africa is facing driest level in 100 years
Estimates are that there are at least 1.5 million displaced
people—and 10 million people in need of immediate food
assistance as a result of this crisis.
East Africa is facing worst drought in 60 years
Australia
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Since 2000, Australia is facing warmest period on record
Some droughts have been lasting for more than three years
Soil is becoming infertile due to the degrading of the land
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In 2013, California received 11 inches below average
rainfall
Scientists fear “megadroughts” could return to California
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Fresno
logged their driest year ever recorded in 2013
More than 80 percent of the state is in extreme or
exceptional drought
An extreme drought happens once every 20 to 50 years
and wreaks havoc on crops. An exceptional drought,
meanwhile, comes every 50 to 100 years, causing true
water emergencies by draining reservoirs, streams and
wells.
California is having to increase the price of fruit, vegetables,
and nuts as well as implement water restrictions
Fortunately, this winter is the beginning of a wet season
called El Nino.
Texas
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Connections to Climate Change
 La Nina and El Nino (wet and dry patterns)
are more severe and last longer
 More rain rather than snow is causing
earlier snowmelt which leads to a higher
rate of evaporation
 Scientists believe the entire United States
will experience some type of drought due to
an increase in temperature
Necessary Precautions
California
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 Hydrological
Some things we can do to slow down the
effects of climate change and specifically
droughts are as followed
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Monitor water supply usage
nationwide
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Develop more efficient appliances
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Improve irrigation technologies
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Improve the use of recycled water
Further Research
For further research or future up to date
statistics, visit the following resources.
 http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/
Driest year in Texas history in 2011
Drought was severe enough that thousands of square miles
were lost to wildfires and lost in agriculture
70% of Texas is still considered to be in a drought
Fortunately, this winter is the beginning of a wet season
called El Nino.
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 https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/
 http://www.climatecentral.org/
 http://www.nrdc.org/
 http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming
#.VqBvO8ArKfQ
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