The Palmer Z index tracks the short-term severity of these phenomena, whose long term persistence is measured by anotherPalmer index named for them.
The Palmer Z index tracks the short-term severity of these phenomena, whose long term persistence is measured by anotherPalmer index named for them. Wilhite and Glantz developed a four-fold taxonomy of these phenomena, which they rankedin order of duration and impact, with the "socioeconomic" type at the top. Cleaveland et al. used tree ring records to concludethat an extreme form of this phenomenon resulted in a massive death toll in Mexico in the 16th century by increasing thepopulation of pests that carry hemorrhagic fevers. A discredited theory by Charles Dana Wilber argued that these phenomenawould not occur in places where agriculture was being practiced. The combination of this phenomenon with extensive landdevelopment has resulted in increased levels of coccidiomycosis, or "valley fever" in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Oneof these events, combined with strong winds, was responsible for driving a vast migration west from the Great Plains duringthe Dust Bowl. For 10 points, identify this climatological phenomenon characterized by a lack of precipitation.
The Palmer Z index tracks the short-term severity of these phenomena, whose long term persistence is measured by anotherPalmer index named for them.
drought