Case study of a Dust Bowl-Climatic Occurrences

Question

During the 1930's, there were several climatic occurrences in the American Great Plains known collectively as the Dust Bowl. During this period of 5 to 7 years, severe dust storms and drought caused agricultural and ecological damage in the Plains.

Explain Brainstorm and some possible causes of the Dust bowl ?

Answer 1

Brainstorm some other possible causes with regard to the following:

• Biological landscape:

The main reason for the Dust storm that can mentioned on a geographical basis is because of its location in the principal west of the 100th meridian on the High Plains that bear plains stretched from the north at length to the Llano Estacado. It is stretched at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The area is a partially arid receiving very less rains annually; which nourishes the prairies in this area. This area is generally affected with drought; but nourished with unusual rainfall at irregular intervals. Sufficient rains would nourish the plains well giving bountiful agricultural progress but the growth falls during the draught years. This region is also subject to higher winds than any coastal areas of the American soil.

• Climate:

The beginning of the 20th century saw continuous settlement of immigrants from Europe. An unusual wet weather made the agriculturist to hold a belief that the plains were good enough to start cultivation. But strong continental winds that brought extended and severe draught discouraged the growth of increased settlement and cultivation in the great plains in 1930; due to which fine soils was easily eroded and carried away.  The occurrence of 20 of the “Black Blizzards”, n 1935 on a “Black Sunday” causing severe agricultural damage and showcased a night during a day for the citizens.

• Agricultural crops:

As NASA explains techniques to prevent wind erosion was not adopted by the farmers of the plains to face any natural disaster that might bring immense erosion of soil causing severe damage to the crops.  Agricultural techniques like crop rotation, fallow fields and cover crops were never employed as a contingency to meet any unexpected natural disasters.