11 Questions
During which time period did Australia experience a major drought that resulted in the failure of the wheat crop?
1911-1915
Which state in Australia experienced disastrous losses due to severe drought in 1877?
Queensland
In which year did Sydney receive about 27 inches less rain than normal?
1849
Which time period in the 20th century saw frequent dry spells over New South Wales, Victoria, much of Queensland, and parts of Western Australia?
1937-1945 drought
During which years did the drought break in the southern states of Australia?
1945 and 1947
Which year is regarded as the worst drought of the twentieth century for short-term rainfall deficiencies?
1982
Which weather pattern influenced the severe drought in Queensland in 1991?
El Niño
How many people died in the 1967 Tasmanian fires?
62
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, how is drought in Australia defined?
Drought is defined as a lack of rainfall for a period of at least three months.
What does the definition of drought in Australia take into account?
The definition takes into account that drought is a relative term and rainfall deficiencies need to be compared to typical rainfall patterns including seasonal variations.
How often, on average, does a 'severe' drought occur in Australia according to Bureau of Meteorology records since the 1860s?
Once every 18 years
Study Notes
Australian Droughts and Weather Patterns
- A major drought in Australia led to the failure of the wheat crop in the 1860s.
1877 Drought
- The state of Queensland experienced disastrous losses due to severe drought in 1877.
Sydney's Rainfall
- In 1888, Sydney received approximately 27 inches less rain than normal.
20th-Century Droughts
- The mid-20th century saw frequent dry spells over New South Wales, Victoria, much of Queensland, and parts of Western Australia.
Drought Break
- The drought broke in the southern states of Australia in 1946 and 1947.
Worst Drought of the 20th Century
- 1965 is regarded as the worst drought of the twentieth century for short-term rainfall deficiencies.
1991 Queensland Drought
- The severe drought in Queensland in 1991 was influenced by the El Niño weather pattern.
1967 Tasmanian Fires
- The 1967 Tasmanian fires resulted in 62 deaths.
Defining Drought in Australia
- According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, drought in Australia is defined as a prolonged dry period with rainfall deficiencies of more than 10% below the average for three consecutive months.
Factors Considered in Drought Definition
- The definition of drought in Australia takes into account rainfall deficiencies, soil moisture, and other climatic factors.
Frequency of Severe Droughts
- On average, a 'severe' drought occurs in Australia every 18-20 years, according to Bureau of Meteorology records since the 1860s.
Test your knowledge on droughts in Australia and learn about the definition and factors that contribute to this natural phenomenon. Explore the impacts of droughts on the environment, agriculture, and communities, while understanding the importance of comparing rainfall deficiencies to regional norms.
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