Question

Which of the following is NOT the main cause of Meteorological drought?

• A. Prolonged breaks in monsoon
• B. Decrease in surface water
• C. Late onset or early withdrawal of monsoons
• D. Lean monsoon

Hint:

Meteorological drought is rainfall-related. Hydrological drought is water-body-related. If the option talks about surface water, rivers, or reservoirs, it usually belongs to hydrological drought.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Meteorological drought occurs when there is a deficiency of rainfall for a long period compared to the normal rainfall of that region.

Step 1: Understanding meteorological drought.
Meteorological drought is mainly related to rainfall and weather conditions. \[ \text{Meteorological drought} = \text{Rainfall deficiency} \]

Step 2: Checking rainfall-related causes.
Prolonged breaks in monsoon reduce rainfall and can cause drought.
Late onset or early withdrawal of monsoon reduces the rainy season.
Lean monsoon means weak or below-normal monsoon rainfall.

Step 3: Finding the option which is not a main cause.
Decrease in surface water is usually a result of drought or a feature of hydrological drought. It is not the main cause of meteorological drought because meteorological drought begins with rainfall deficiency. Therefore, the correct answer is Decrease in surface water.