Studies in the environment of Queensland. 2. The climatic factor

Abstract

An attempt was made to establish climatic criteria of drought under pastoral conditions in semi-arid Queensland and correlate them with conditions actually experienced. The study has shown that, though droughts have been irregular in their incidence and have followed no discernible pattern or cycle, they are a normal part of the climate of semi-arid Queensland. State-wide droughts have occurred infrequently. The nature and duration of droughts have varied widely, ranging from a single bad year to a succession of mediocre or mediocre and bad years. The economic implications of various kinds of droughts are considered and the effects of drought on pasture and on sheep husbandry are discussed.