Why Is The U.S. West Experiencing A Megadrought?

The video discusses the severe drought conditions in the Western US, highlighting the dangerously low levels of major reservoirs like Lake Mead. It explores historical drought patterns through tree ring analysis, revealing that the region has experienced droughts for centuries. The current mega drought, exacerbated by climate change, is the worst in 1200 years. Factors like high temperatures, low precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit contribute to the drought's severity. Climate models show that climate change has worsened the drought by 23%. The video concludes with a warning about the increasingly arid conditions expected in the future.

What method do scientists use to study historical climate fluctuations in the West?

• Ice core samples

• Tree ring analysis

• Satellite imagery

• Ocean sediment analysis

How severe is the current mega drought in the West compared to historical records?

• The most severe in 800 years

• The most severe in 500 years

• The most severe in 1500 years

• The most severe in 1200 years

What is one of the main drivers of the current mega drought in the West?

• High temperatures

• Increased rainfall

• Rising sea levels

• Decreased wind speeds

What is vapor pressure deficit more simply known as?

• Humid air

• Wet air

• Dry air

• Cold air

How much did climate change worsen the drought by 2021 according to the study?

• 30%

• 23%

• 15%

• 10%