The Dust Bowl Disaster — Passage and Quiz

In the 1930s, the Great Plains of the U.S. suffered one of the worst environmental disasters in history—the Dust Bowl. Years of drought, poor farming practices, and strong winds turned fertile soil into clouds of dust. This ecological crisis forced thousands of families to abandon their farms.

Causes of the Dust Bowl

1. Overfarming: Farmers plowed too much grassland to grow wheat, removing deep-rooted prairie grasses that held soil in place.
2. Drought: A severe lack of rain dried out the soil, making it loose and powdery.
3. Wind Erosion: Strong winds blew the dry topsoil away, creating massive "black blizzards" that blocked the sun for days.

Effects on People and Nature

●       Crops failed, leaving farmers with no food or income.

●       Dust storms buried homes and made breathing difficult, causing lung diseases.

●       Wildlife died as habitats turned to desert.

Lessons Learned

The Dust Bowl taught us the importance of soil conservation. Today, farmers use better methods like crop rotation and windbreaks to protect the land.