Drought is a common occurrence in arid and semi-arid (ASA) regions, with regions such as Australia's Murray-Darling River Basin. These regions experience serious droughts once every ten years on average. However Climate projections for many ASA regions suggest a future with increased aridity, longer periods without precipitation, and more frequent and intense drought recent drought events and climate analyses indicate such change already may be occurring. Over the past four decades, warm season duration, as measured by warm periods without sizable rainfall, has increased. With rising water demands due to population growth, the frequency and degree to which the supply of water falls short of its demand will increases as well.
The impacts of sustained drought in ASA regions can be broad, with low priority water rights holders, notably the environment and groundwater systems, often suffering severely. There are numerous examples of how drought affects the natural environment through impacts on biotic communities, habitat availability, and ecosystem function, resilience, and services. Similarly, the added reliance on aquifers during drought often results in overdraft, degradation of groundwater and groundwater dependent ecosystems, and land subsidence.
Not surprisingly, water intensive industries can be significantly impacted, namely agriculture and hydro-electric power. Can cause the loss of jobs and revenue in countries experiencing drought. While the impacts of drought can be far-reaching and impact energy, recreation, municipalities, industry, and residential households, analyses of drought show significant variability in the magnitude of the impacts. Not surprisingly, the impact of droughts vary due to vary over the time and location of the drought. Other factors influencing severity of impact include the vulnerability of the hydrologic system, the level of exposure, and the ability of agents and institutions to respond, mitigate, and adapt to the drought.
T.Garratt
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