Droughts can be caused by a variety of physical natural conditions, including:
Lack of rainfall: A prolonged period of time with little to no rainfall can lead to drought. This is often a result of weather patterns such as El Niño or La Niña, which can cause changes in precipitation levels.
High temperatures: Hot and dry weather can increase evaporation rates, which reduces the amount of moisture available for plants and other living organisms to use.Soil conditions: If soil does not have enough organic matter or is too compacted, it can reduce its ability to hold water, making it more susceptible to drought.Topography:
The shape of the land can affect water availability. For example, mountainous areas may receive more precipitation than valleys, leading to differences in water availability.
Groundwater depletion: Overuse of underground aquifers for irrigation or other purposes can lead to a depletion of groundwater resources, reducing the availability of water during times of drought.
These physical natural conditions can combine to create severe and long-lasting droughts that can have significant impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and human populations.