Video answers what happens when a reservoir runs entirely dry

The western drought is the worst in at least 1,200 years.
Derya Ozdemir

Megadroughts, which can be definied as severe, prolonged droughts, were common during the Middle Ages. Now, the western region of the United States may be experiencing a new megadrought period, made even worse by human-induced climate change.

According to at least one research, the past two decades have been the driest in the southwestern United States in at least 1,200 years. Moreover, lakes are disappearing not only in the American West but also in Africa, Asia, and the sub-Arctic regions of the world. There are several causes, including misuse in agriculture, drought, and climate change.

And, the current megadrought in the American West may only be a foreshadowing of things to come. This video by the YouTube channel Practical Engineering explores what happens when a reservoir goes completely dry as well as what water availability and water supply storage reservoirs are. If you're curious to know more, make sure you watch the video embedded above, and as always, enjoy. 

Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.
Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed.
message circleSHOW COMMENT (1)chevron
Job Board