NAEP Science Grade 12

Category - Earth Science

A climatologist is investigating the causes of an extended drought in a particular region. Which of the following questions would provide the best foundation for the climatologist's investigation into the causes of the drought?
  1. How could the drought conditions in the region best be managed?
  2. What variables affect the region's precipitation during droughts?
  3. How long did other droughts in the region last?
  4. Why do droughts strike only in certain regions and not others?
Explanation
Correct Response: B. To investigate the causes of an extended drought, the climatologist first needs to establish the variables that have affected the region's precipitation during the drought. The management of drought conditions (A) is a practical concern unrelated to the drought's causes and the duration of previous droughts (C), while useful information, does not get at the underlying causes of the current extended drought. Similarly, why droughts strike certain regions and not others (D) is an interesting question, but not the strongest foundation for investigating the causes of the current drought.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz