30 - Idorteak

✏️ This explanation does not yet exist in your language. Please fill this Google Form if you want to help us!

A drought is a period of abnormal water shortage. A meteorological drought is when there is a drop in rainfall, and an agricultural drought is when soil moisture drops abnormally, affecting crop production. A mega-drought is a persistent and widespread drought that lasts much longer than normal (usually a decade or more). Lack of rainfall and evaporation from the ground are the causes of droughts, as well as soil erosion.

1
Cause

Idorteak


3
Consequences

Idorteak

See card n26: "If the soil is dried by drought it's worse because the water runs off."


Idorteak


Idorteak


2
Other possible causes

Idorteak

Heatwaves can cause droughts. They often go together.


Idorteak

Deforestation can be the direct cause of droughts because trees stock a lot of water. If they are cut down, they no longer play their part as humidity regulators.


1
Other possible consequence

Idorteak

If a lack of rain occurs while plants are growing, there is less photosynthesis and therefore a reduction in capacity of the carbon sink. In Europe, in 2018, carbon sinks declined by 18%.