Of the following which is a cause of drought?

1. low precipitation levels
2. high precipitation levels
3. high water demand
4. low water demand

1. low precipitation levels.

The cause of drought is typically low precipitation levels, option 1.

The cause of drought is typically low precipitation levels. Drought occurs when there is a prolonged period of reduced rainfall or snowfall in a particular region. To determine the cause of drought, you need to consider the factors that contribute to it.

1. Low precipitation levels: This is the primary cause of drought. If an area receives less rainfall or snowfall than average over an extended period, it can lead to water scarcity, dry conditions, and ultimately, a drought.

2. High precipitation levels: High precipitation levels do not cause drought. In fact, excessive rainfall, such as during heavy and constant downpours, can lead to flooding rather than drought conditions.

3. High water demand: While high water demand can exacerbate the impacts of drought, it is not the direct cause of drought. High water demand refers to situations where there is a significant need for water due to human activities such as agriculture, industries, or residential usage. High demand coupled with low precipitation levels can intensify drought effects by depleting available water resources.

4. Low water demand: Low water demand does not cause drought. However, during periods of drought, people often reduce their water usage to cope with limited water supplies and mitigate the impacts of the drought.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: low precipitation levels.