The Dust Bowl Disaster — Reading Comprehension

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.

What was the main cause of the Dust Bowl?

Why were prairie grasses important before the Dust Bowl?

What were "black blizzards"?

How did the Dust Bowl affect farmers?

What does "erosion" mean in this passage?

What is the main idea of the passage?

How could the Dust Bowl have been prevented?

What lesson did the Dust Bowl teach us?