Article July 14, 1980 Issue

Drought is not beyond our control

CAROLYN B. SWAN

During drought conditions in the southwestern United States, town councils arrange for cloud seeding. Indian tribes powwow and perform rain dances. People meet and pray for rain. The pillars of these organizations tote their umbrellas along. Drought is the topic until rain finally comes.

But even then, nobody doubts that drought will return. It always has.

Recent sun studies centered in the Midwest correlate with research on tree rings to show that drought runs in cycles. It is hoped that forecasts based upon these studies can alert people to prepare. But forecasts can't supply water. And the billions of dollars already spent on water conservation have not kept reservoirs full in time of drought.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Next week in the Sentinel