ERSC 101 - Module 09.05-07 - Droughts practice flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes for ERSC 101, focusing on definitions, classifications, and historical impacts of drought in California.

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water; it can include atmospheric water, surface water, or ground water.

Abnormally Dry ($D0$)

A classification used by the U.S. Drought Monitor as a precursor to drought, rather than a state of actual drought, representing areas that may be going into or coming out of drought conditions.

U.S. Drought Monitor ($USDM$)

A map updated every Thursday that shows the location and intensity of drought across the country using a five-category system ($D0$ to $D4$).

Data Sources for $USDM$

The National Drought Mitigation Center ($NDMC$), the U.S. Department of Agriculture ($USDA$), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ($NOAA$).

Severe Drought ($D2$) Impacts in California

Impacts include inadequate grazing land, low reservoir levels with exposed banks, and longer fire seasons with high burn intensity and dry fuels.

Extreme Drought ($D3$) Impacts in California

Impacts include year-round fire seasons, significant drops in reservoir levels, the sale of livestock due to expensive supplemental feed, and implementation of water use restrictions.

Longest Duration of Drought in California

A period lasting $376$ weeks, beginning on December $27$, $2011$ and ending on March $5^{th}$, $2019$.

Most Intense California Drought Period

Occurred during the week of July $29$, $2014$, when $D4$ (Exceptional Drought) affected $58.41\%$ of California land.