Types of drought Flashcards
(2 cards)
Types of drought?
Meteorological = rainfall deficit as a result of short-term availability or long term trends
Agricultural drought = water deficiency in the soil which reduces plant growth rates - human impacts such as overgrazing can also compound/increase the issue
Hydrological drought = a lack of water stored on the surface and underground in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and aquifers leading to reduced stream flow and groundwater levels = decreasing water supplies for urban areas
What is famine drought?
Occurs when there is a widespread failure of agricultural systems and food shortages develop into famines with severe social, economic and environmental impacts.
As populations grow and become wealthier their demand for water also increases. To this can be added more long-term susceptibility to drought brought about by ENSO and Climate Change
