Droughts are complex, creeping hazards that develop over time. Which of the following statements correctly describes the definition and typical chronological progression of different drought types?
Meteorological drought is defined primarily by depleted groundwater aquifers and reservoirs; it precedes agricultural drought, which is characterized by a rapid fall in relative atmospheric humidity.
Agricultural drought occurs when a precipitation deficit causes soil moisture deficiencies that limit crop growth; this typically occurs before hydrological drought, which is characterized by reduced streamflow and reservoir levels.
Hydrological drought is the immediate, primary phase of water deficit triggered by atmospheric blocking; it must occur and be resolved before meteorological drought can impact deep soil systems.
Socio-economic drought is defined strictly by the physical degradation of soil structures, while agricultural drought refers to the societal collapse of municipal drinking water infrastructure due to rationing.
17 exam-style questions on OCR A GCSE Geography Extreme weather hazards (storms & drought). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.