How can hydrological drought be triggered by physical conditions
1. Lack of precipitation: A prolonged period of below-average rainfall can lead to a decrease in streamflow and groundwater levels, triggering a hydrological drought.
2. High temperatures: Higher temperatures can increase evaporation rates, causing water sources to dry up more quickly and exacerbating drought conditions.
3. Changes in land use: Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural activities can alter the natural hydrological cycle, leading to decreased water availability and increased susceptibility to drought.
4. Dam construction: The construction of dams can disrupt natural streamflow patterns and reduce water availability downstream, contributing to hydrological drought conditions.
5. Groundwater depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, or municipal purposes can lower water tables and reduce surface water availability, leading to hydrological drought.
6. Climate change: Climate change can result in shifts in precipitation patterns, increased temperatures, and changes in extreme weather events, all of which can contribute to the onset and persistence of hydrological drought.