2. US Drought: Causes
In Winter 2012 in North America a record-breaking lack of snow
caused little water to evaporate and create rainfall. This created
very dry conditions, which were intensified by the Summer 2012
heat wave. Continuous moisture decline caused conditions to
become self- sustaining. Due to soil-hardening rain was running off
quickly, with flash-foods and no drought relief.
3. US Drought: Impact
In farming areas crops failed or were very low-yielding. Food prices
ran higher due to short supply.
Farmers were forced to sell part of their farm equipment to cope
with decreased incomes.
As of August 2012 1692 counties were declared primary natural
disaster areas.
4. US Drought: Costs
The drought is exepcted to inflict catastrophic economic effects.
It has exceeded the 1988-1989 North American drought, the
most recent comparable drought.
It is on track to be the costliest natural disaster in US history.
The 2012 US drought is not just an American problem: food
prices are surging worldwide, as food is a major US export.
