Droughts are a natural phenomenon that occur in many parts of the world. They are caused by a number of physical and natural conditions that lead to a prolonged period of dryness. Understanding the physical and natural conditions that lead to droughts is essential in order to plan for and mitigate the impacts of such events.
Physical Causes of Droughts
Droughts are caused by a number of physical conditions, such as the intensity of sunlight, the amount of rainfall, and the temperature of the air. When the intensity of sunlight is high, the amount of water that evaporates from land and water sources is also high. This reduces the amount of water that is available for plants and animals. Similarly, when the amount of rainfall is low, the amount of water available for plants and animals is reduced. Finally, when the air temperature is high, the amount of water that evaporates from land and water sources is increased.
Natural Conditions that Trigger Drought
Drought can also be triggered by natural conditions such as El Niño and La Niña. El Niño is a periodic climate phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and can cause droughts in parts of the world. La Niña is the opposite of El Niño and can cause wetter-than-normal conditions in some parts of the world. Other natural conditions that can trigger droughts include changes in wind patterns, ocean currents, and air pressure.
In conclusion, droughts are caused by a variety of physical and natural conditions. Understanding the physical and natural conditions that lead to droughts is essential in order to plan for and mitigate the impacts of such events. By understanding the physical and natural conditions that lead to droughts, we can better prepare for and respond to them in the future.