Read the passage. Scientists have observed that periods of drought are worsening. In 2022, Europe experienced a period of severe drought, causing moisture levels in soil to drop alarmingly. During this period, many bodies of water and rivers shrank drastically. How did this extreme weather event affect the environment?
Answer
A
by melting glaciers and ice caps
B
by damaging homes and displacing people
C
by drying out crops in agricultural fields
D
by causing higher rates of air pollution
Explanation
A severe drought brings much less water than usual, so soil moisture drops and rivers and other bodies of water shrink. Crops depend on water in the soil, so these dry conditions can damage or dry out crops in agricultural fields. The best answer is D, “by drying out crops in agricultural fields.”
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.