Author(s): Andrzej Byczkowski; W£Odzimierz Meyer
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Hazardous phenomena; Drought; Drought indices; Drought effects; Drought prevention
Abstract: Different climatic processes may lead to contrasting natural phenomena: flood, connected with excess of water, and drought, characterised by its deficit. Experience from recent years confirms that both these phenomena cause definite losses in nature and state economy. While the problem of floods has been for many years a matter of interest for experts and the public it is also necessary to examine the question of drought since the phenomenon is also a recurring one. Drought affects many areas of life. As such, there is no single definition of drought. It is possible to distinguish three phases in the process of development of drought: atmospheric, soil and hydrologic phase, the latter further subdivided into two periods: underground and surface shortage of water. Very low water stages and river discharges called low-flow periods are the result of hydrologic drought. The problem of drought is a major one. Like that of floods it calls for the implementation of long-term action in different spheres of economy to reduce the range of drought and limit its negative effect.
Year: 1999