Drought

Every year as summer approaches, areas [blank] the world grow concerned about seasonal drought. Throughout the winter, many places monitor precipitation and the snowpack to prepare [blank] what the warmer, drier months may bring. In addition, there are areas where drought is a regular year-to-year occurrence that lasts longer than just the summer. From hot deserts to the freezing poles, drought [blank] something that affects plants, animals, and people worldwide. Usually, drought is talked about in one of two perspectives - meteorological and hydrological. A drought in terms of meteorology takes [blank] account deficiencies in measured precipitation. Each year's measurements are then compared to what is determined as a "normal" amount of precipitation and drought is determined from there. For hydrologists, droughts are monitored [blank] checking stream flow and lake, reservoir, and aquifer water levels. Precipitation is also considered here as it contributes to the water levels.