Which of the following caused the Dust Bowl?
Select all that apply.
overplanting of crops
blinding dust storms
a long period of drought
powerful machines tearing up the grasslands
h t t p s :// science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/dust-bowl-cause.htm
C and D
From Kit Kat
Byee! :D
The Dust Bowl was primarily caused by the following:
1. Overplanting of crops: This led to the depletion of nutrients in the soil, making it more susceptible to erosion during drought conditions.
2. A long period of drought: This region, predominantly the Great Plains of the United States, experienced several years of exceptionally low rainfall, resulting in dry and arid conditions.
3. Blinding dust storms: The combination of drought and extensive soil erosion caused frequent and severe dust storms, which swept away topsoil and created massive amounts of airborne dust.
Therefore, the correct options that caused the Dust Bowl are:
- Overplanting of crops
- A long period of drought
- Blinding dust storms.
To determine which of the following caused the Dust Bowl, we can analyze each option:
1. Overplanting of crops: During the early 20th century, farmers in the Great Plains region of the United States engaged in extensive farming practices, known as dryland farming, which involved planting large areas of land with crops such as wheat. This led to overplanting, meaning that the land was cultivated beyond its sustainable capacity.
2. Blinding dust storms: The Dust Bowl earned its name due to the severe dust storms that occurred during that time. These storms were a result of strong winds that swept across the Great Plains, causing the loose topsoil, depleted of moisture due to drought, to become airborne.
3. A long period of drought: The 1930s marked a prolonged period of severe drought in the Great Plains region. The combination of lack of rainfall and high temperatures created harsh conditions for agriculture, as the soil moisture rapidly depleted.
4. Powerful machines tearing up the grasslands: While technological advancements during that time, such as tractors and other machinery, did play a role in facilitating intensive farming practices, they were not a direct cause of the Dust Bowl. The overuse of machinery without proper soil conservation practices, such as leaving the land bare and unprotected, exacerbated the effects of the drought and contributed to soil erosion.
Therefore, the causes of the Dust Bowl were overplanting of crops, blinding dust storms, and a long period of drought. By considering the historical events and factors responsible for the Dust Bowl, we can determine the correct answers and understand the effects of human actions on the environment.