The first signs of drought are measured and reported as which part of the water cycle?
Responses
A evaporationevaporation
B percolationpercolation
C precipitationprecipitation
D runoffrunoff
A evaporation
The correct answer is C) precipitation. The first signs of drought are typically measured and reported through a decrease in the amount of precipitation, such as rainfall, in a particular area.
The correct answer is C) precipitation.
To understand why, let's break down the question and the options given:
The question is asking about the first signs of drought, which means we need to identify a stage in the water cycle that indicates a lack of water or dry conditions.
A) Evaporation refers to the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas and rises into the atmosphere. This stage does not directly indicate drought as evaporation occurs regardless of drought conditions.
B) Percolation refers to the movement of water through the soil layers. While percolation can be affected by drought, it does not directly indicate the first signs of drought itself.
C) Precipitation refers to the process where water falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. The first signs of drought can be observed by measuring and reporting a decrease in precipitation, indicating a lack of rain or snowfall in a particular region. Therefore, this option is the correct answer.
D) Runoff refers to the water that flows over the surface of the land and collects in streams, rivers, and other bodies of water. Runoff can be influenced by precipitation, but it does not directly indicate the initial signs of drought.
In conclusion, the first signs of drought are measured and reported as a decrease in precipitation, which is why the correct answer is C) precipitation.