User:Hobodude1/sandbox

1.An introduction to droughts. What are they? Before we begin, there will be no humour in my speech, it is a very “dry” topic! A drought is a long period of time without water. Crops wilt, rivers and streams dry up and many animals and people are lost. One of the only reasons people can survive a drought is because of the generosity of aid agencies, the government or other countries.

2. How is it related to the water cycle? Droughts occur in dry countries most of the time. This is because water evaporates quicker due to the intensity of the sun in these places and creates more water vapour. This water does not always condense because there is normally nothing for it to condense onto in these hot places. This occurs because water can only condense onto a cold surface. When condensation does occur and clouds are formed, the clouds are blown away by the wind, or the small amount of precipitated water is absorbed into the soil. These factors can cause the process to continue. There is no limit to how long a drought can last. When the water cycle is not complete, for example, there isn’t precipitation, a drought occurs.

3. How does it affect the community and environment? Droughts can have a devastating effect on a community. A drought can lead to failed crops or dead animals since both need plenty of water. Rivers and streams dry up creating a lack of water for drinking or farming. People need their animals and crops to survive because they provide food, drink and are often their business, or how they make money. Horses can also be used for transport and animal manure is used to fertilize soil and help crops grow. These are some reasons why a drought can have a devastating effect on people when their livestock or crops die. The result in extreme cases is famine. A whole community may be wiped out!

Also, in droughts there is a great risk of bushfire, because of the heat and dry conditions. Often people who live in or near the bush are highly affected.

In times of drought, the government helps those affected by giving financial help. The Department of Agriculture website stated that the government also sends pest exterminators to kill rats who steal town supplies. This financial help is distributed by centrelink,as it is a government  agency.another agency is called  AUSaid and also distributes finacial help.also,have you ever wondered what  the  “finacial help”is used for? Well,it is used to buy water of course!!!this water is used for bathing,drinking ,growing crops and all other of lifes needs.

4.examples of drought one reoccuing drought is called the dust bowl. it caused many raging dust storms.this drought occurred in brazil for three years, italy for 6 months , America for 2 years and Australia. one drought in 1829 hit western Australia and there was little water for a year. a drought in NSW that went from 1826-1829 caused lake george to dry up.another drought in NSW went from  1809-1811  and caused such terrible crop failures that farming was virtually impossible.I don’t know if you know,but a drought in 1888 affected all of the states.