Understanding Drought: 5 Key Causes and Their Impact

Drought is a complex and recurring issue that affects many regions across the United States and the world. It is not merely a lack of rainfall; droughts are driven by various natural and human factors that disrupt the delicate balance of water in our environment. Understanding the causes of drought is crucial for effective water management and conservation strategies. This article explores five major causes of drought, highlighting the interplay between environmental conditions and human activities.

The “new normal” of water management across the United States suggests we need to consider the regions we live in, which are either heading into or coming out of drought. California is in a megadrought, and most data indicate water is becoming less available.

For the past year, things have been getting worse, and according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, today, over 48% of the United States is abnormally dry. This is nothing like the drought of 2008 when Atlanta was days away from running out of water, but as cycles go, they are headed into a drought, and it’s hard to say when it will end. Ohio, which has been in a sports championship drought and is moving out of it, is headed into a water drought.

Here are the five natural and human causes of drought:

1. Land and Water Temperatures: As overall temperatures increase, more water evaporates, and severe weather conditions become more frequent. Landscapes and crops need more water to survive, and the demand for water increases overall. This is why it is so important to consider changes in ET (evapotranspiration) when discussing water savings. Depending on weather conditions, you might be using more or less water.
2. Air Circulation and Weather Patterns: Key events like El Niño or La Niña contribute to drought in certain areas. All the water we ever had is still here, either stored in the air or on land. Weather patterns move this water around, and these patterns are constantly changing.
3. Soil Moisture Levels: When soil moisture is depleted, less water evaporates to create clouds. Surface temperatures rise, more water is needed, and less is available, contributing to a more severe drought.
4. Supply and Demand of Water: When a region grows rapidly, the water demand can exceed the supply. When weather conditions, temperatures, or air patterns push a region toward a drought, people’s demand for water can offset or worsen the situation, depending on how the region reacts. Excessive irrigation is an excellent example of people contributing to a drought.
5. Timing of Water and Agricultural Seasons: If water availability does not match the agricultural season, you may have too much water when you don’t need it and too little when you do. Proper storage and collection of water are key to counterbalancing this cycle, which is clearly within the scope of human management.

Severe droughts also impact human migration. As countries continue to protect their natural resources, people will move to areas with more water. The amount and timing of this movement can contribute to water issues not previously felt.

Understanding these causes helps us grasp the full scope of drought and its effects on our lives. By addressing these factors, we can better prepare for and mitigate the impact of droughts, ensuring a sustainable future for all.