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Whitewater Drought
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Whitewater Drought

North America [circa 300 ad]
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Quick Summary

The Whitewater Drought, occurring around 300 AD, was a significant climatic event in North America. This period of extended dry weather impacted plants, animals, and early Native American cultures. Droughts like this, characterized by evaporation and transpiration exceeding precipitation, can take weeks to set in and last for years.12

Such climatic shifts have historically influenced human societies, sometimes leading to societal collapse. The Whitewater Drought, along with others like the Fairbank Drought (500 BC) and the Great Drought (1276-1299 AD), are linked to major cultural changes in North and Central America. These events highlight the vulnerability of regions to persistent droughts, which can devastate water resources and agriculture.31

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
4 Britannica Sources
  1. Great Drought
  2. climate change - Evidence for climate change
  3. Smothered in Drought
  4. climate change - Centennial-scale variation

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