Types of Droughts
Meteorological Drought
Meteorological drought is the amount of dryness and the duration of the
dry period. Atmospheric conditions that result in
deficiencies of precipitation change from area to area.
Agricultural Drought
Agricultural drought mainly effects food production and farming.
Agricultural drought and precipitation shortages bring soil
water deficits, reduced ground water or reservoir levels, and so on. More of these effects
can be listed by clicking here.
Deficient topsoil moisture at planting may stop germination, leading to low plant
populations.
Hydrological Drought
Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of periods of
precipitation shortages on water supply. Water in hydrologic storage systems such as
reservoirs and rivers are often used for multiple purposes such as flood control,
irrigation, recreation, navigation, hydropower, and wildlife habitat. Competition for
water in these storage systems escalates during drought and conflicts between water users
increase significantly.
Socioeconomic Drought
Socioeconomic drought occurs when the demand for an economic good
exceeds supply as a result of a weather-related shortfall in water supply. The supply of
many economic goods, such as water, forage, food grains, fish, and hydroelectric power,
depends on weather. Due to variability of climate, water supply is sufficient in some
years but not satisfactory to meet human and environmental needs in other years. The
demand for economic goods is increasing as a result of increasing population. Supply may
also increase because of improved production efficiency and technology.