Question

Droughts can precipitate a cascade of other disasters. Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential disaster directly resulting from a drought?

• A. Widespread famine.
• B. The outbreak of epidemics.
• C. Increased soil fertility.
• D. Displacement of affected populations.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Increased soil fertility.

• Drought's Actual Impact on Soil: Drought generally reduces soil health and fertility over time by:

  • Slowing down nutrient cycling due to decreased microbial activity.

  • Reducing the stability of soil aggregates.

  • Making topsoils powdery and susceptible to erosion (which removes fertile topsoil).

  • Limiting nutrient uptake by plants due to lack of water.

• Mentioned Cascades: The text explicitly states that a drought "may result in other disasters like food insecurity, famine, malnutrition, epidemics and displacement of populations." These are all negative consequences, whereas increased soil fertility would be a positive outcome.