Which statement best explains a cause-effect relationship between droughts and wildfires? (1 point)
O Drier weather conditions reduce the probability of a wildfire.
Drier weather conditions produce more fuel for a wildfire.
Drier weather conditions increase the occurrence of severe lightning storms.
Drier weather conditions create high wind gusts.
To identify the statement that best explains a cause-effect relationship between droughts and wildfires, we need to understand the relationship between these two factors.
Droughts are prolonged periods with little or no rain, which leads to dry conditions that make vegetation and forests more susceptible to catching fire. The question asks for a statement that explains the cause-effect relationship between droughts and wildfires.
Looking at the given options:
A. "Drier weather conditions reduce the probability of a wildfire" - This statement is incorrect because drier weather conditions actually increase the probability of a wildfire due to the lack of moisture in the environment.
B. "Drier weather conditions produce more fuel for a wildfire" - This statement is correct. Drier weather conditions lead to moisture deficit, drying out vegetation and creating abundant fuel for wildfires. Hence, this statement describes the cause-effect relationship accurately.
C. "Drier weather conditions increase the occurrence of severe lightning storms" - This statement doesn't directly explain the cause-effect relationship between droughts and wildfires. Although severe lightning storms can ignite fires, this option focuses more on the occurrence of lightning storms than the direct relationship between droughts and wildfires.
D. "Drier weather conditions create high wind gusts" - This statement doesn't directly explain the cause-effect relationship between droughts and wildfires. While high wind gusts can contribute to the spread of wildfires, they are not as directly linked to drought conditions as the option in B.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Drier weather conditions produce more fuel for a wildfire.