Water covers 70.9% of the surface of our blue planet, yet in some regions, it seems to be non-existent at all.
A fish that swallows mud for water. A frog that can endure seven years of drought. A lizard that soaks up water like blotting paper.
A drought is a period of below-average precipitation in a given region, resulting in prolonged shortages in its waters supply, whether atmospheric, surface or groundwater.
A drought can last for months or years. It can have a substantial impact on the ecosystem and agriculture of the affected region.
Rain Gain: Planet Earth’s Wealth
Although droughts can persist for several years, even a short, intense drought can cause significant damage and harm to the local economy. Annual dry seasons in the tropics significantly increase the chances of a drought developing and subsequent bushfires.
Periods of heat can significantly worsen drought conditions by hastening evaporation of water vapor.
Watch the fascinating life of the Lung Fish and other endurance animals as they survive in almost impossibly arid conditions for extraordinary lengths of time.
Check out this BBC video and see how some living organisms cope with drought, desert, and hot environment.
