A dust bowl is a large area of land that has been affected by severe drought and dust storms. The term was first used in the 1930s to describe the condition of the Great Plains region of the United States during the Dust Bowl years. The Dust Bowl lasted from about 1934 to 1940, and it had a devastating impact on the ecology and economy of the region. More than 3 million people were forced to leave their homes, and many farms and businesses were destroyed.
The cause of the Dust Bowl was a combination of natural and human factors. A prolonged period of dry weather contributed to the formation of huge dust storms, which swept across the plains and deposited large amounts of dust on the land. Farmers’ practices also played a role in causing the Dust Bowl. In an effort to increase crop production, farmers plowed up large tracts of native grassland, which left the soil unprotected from wind erosion. When strong winds blew across these areas, they picked up massive amounts of loose soil and created huge dust storms.
The effects of the Dust Bowl were far-reaching. The dense clouds of dust caused respiratory problems for people and animals alike, leading to increased rates of illness and even death. The dusty conditions also made it difficult for crops to grow, leading to widespread famine. In addition to ecological damage, the Dust Bowl resulted in billions of dollars in economic losses for farmers, businesses, and taxpayers.
Despite its name, not all parts of the United States were affected by the Dust Bowl; only those states located in what is known as “the rain shadow”—an area on leeward sides (the side facing away from wind) mountain ranges where warm air rising over mountains causes precipitation on their windward sides (the side facing towards wind), leaving dry air behind—experienced drought conditions severe enough to create dust storms like those that occurred during