30 - 干旱

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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.

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Cause

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Consequences

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


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Other possible causes

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Heatwaves can cause droughts. They often go together.


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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.


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Other possible consequence

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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%.