Droughts

A drought happens when an area does not get enough rain for a long time. Rivers and lakes can dry up during a drought. Plants die and animals struggle to find water. Droughts can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Effects of Drought

During a drought, the ground becomes dry and cracked. Crops cannot grow without water, which can lead to food shortages. Rivers and lakes shrink or dry up completely. Wildfires become more likely because everything is so dry.

How People and Animals Cope

People conserve water during droughts by using less for lawns and gardens. Farmers may dig deeper wells or use drip irrigation. Animals search for new water sources or migrate to wetter areas. Some plants have deep roots that can find water far underground.

Fun Facts

• The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was one of the worst droughts in American history.
• Some droughts can last over a decade.
• Cacti survive droughts by storing water in their thick stems.

Did You Know?

Scientists can study tree rings to learn about droughts that happened hundreds of years ago. Thin rings mean dry years, and thick rings mean wet years!