The correct option is B Excessive use of groundwater
∙ Drought is the deficiency of rainfall, in an area, over a prolonged time period. Places affected by drought will have severe water shortage, which adversely affects the vegetation, animals and people of that area.
∙ Excessive pumping of groundwater can decrease the groundwater level, which leads to water scarcity and ultimately results in drought.
∙ Soil erosion cannot cause drought. However, drought can lead to soil erosion. This occurs when the dried up soil gets carried away by the wind.
∙ However, water conservation and heavy rainfall are not responsible for causing drought. Water conservation is important because fresh water sources are limited.