Question

the term dust bowl technically can refer to any region that suffers from a long drought accompanied by dust storms. however, in the united states, the dust bowl generally refers to the period of the 1930s in which tremendous, billowing dust storms plagued americas great plains. these troubles were due partially to poor agricultural practices. one example was plowing of the plains natural grasslands. with the grasses gone, there were no roots to hold the topsoil in place. during a prolonged drought that destroyed crops, the wind began to blow the loose topsoil away. how did poor agricultural practices contribute to the dust bowl? 1 they made the effects of a prolonged drought worse. 2 they led to the great plains being called the dust bowl. 3 they caused a terrible drought that destroyed crops.

Explanation:

The text states that poor agricultural practices (like plowing grasslands) removed roots that held topsoil. During a drought (which was already a problem), the wind blew away the loose topsoil. So poor agricultural practices made the drought's effects (dust storms, soil loss) worse. Option 2 is incorrect as the term "Dust Bowl" was a general term (though associated with the Great Plains in the US context here, but the practices didn't solely lead to the name - the combination of drought and storms did). Option 3 is wrong because the text says "during a prolonged drought" - the drought was already happening, not caused by the agricultural practices.

Answer:

1. They made the effects of a prolonged drought worse.