What happens during a drought?

During a drought, the affected area has less water, which can cause plants to struggle and die. Droughts can also cause erosion and threaten animal populations.

During a drought, an area typically receives less water. The lower precipitation does not have to occur locally, as a lack of rain hundreds or thousands of miles away can cause a river to stop delivering normal levels of water. Plants require set levels of water, and even a relatively minor drop in water levels can cause crops to fail. Animals may be affected by low levels as well if they cannot access sufficient water or plants.