The 2012 USA Drought

US Drought: Causes In Winter 2012 in North America a record-breaking lack of snow caused little water to evaporate and create rainfall. This created very dry conditions, which were intensified by the Summer 2012 heat wave. Continuous moisture decline caused conditions to become self- sustaining. Due to soil-hardening rain was running off quickly, with flash-foods and no drought relief.

US Drought: ImpactIn farming areas crops failed or were very low-yielding. Food prices ran higher due to short supply.Farmers were forced to sell part of their farm equipment to cope with decreased incomes.As of August 2012 1692 counties were declared primary natural disaster areas.

US Drought: CostsThe drought is exepcted to inflict catastrophic economic effects.It has exceeded the 1988-1989 North American drought, the most recent comparable drought.It is on track to be the costliest natural disaster in US history.The 2012 US drought is not just an American problem: food prices are surging worldwide, as food is a major US export.