5.4

Question 1

What is Meteorological drought?

Answer 1

This is shortfalls in precipitation as a result of short term variability or longer term trend.

Question 2

What is agricultural drought?

Answer 2

When rain deficiency leads to a deficiency of soil moisture and soil water availability which has a knock on effect on plant growth and reduces biomass.

Question 3

What is hydrological drought?

Answer 3

Associated with reduced stream flow and groundwater levels which decrease because of high rates of evaporation.

Often leads to reduced storage and poor water quality.

Question 4

What is famine drought?

Answer 4

All 3 types of drought can lead to this. With widespread failure of crops, food shortages occur, causing malnutrition.

Question 5

Do human factors call drought?

Answer 5

They do not cause drought, but act as positive feedback and enhances the impacts.

Question 6

How much of earth is a wetland?

Answer 6

10%

Question 7

What are the key functions of wetlands?

Answer 7

• Act as temporary water stores
• Chemically, wetlands act as filters by trapping and recycling nutrients and pollutants
• High level of biodiversity