Fill in each numbered blank with ONE suitable word. Drought is a(n) (1)______ that results when the average rainfall for a fertile area drops far below the normal (2)______ for a long period time. In areas that are not (3)_____, the lack of rain causes farm crops to wither and die. Higher than (4)_____ temperatures usually accompany periods of drought. The soil of a drought area becomes dry and crumbles. Often the rich topsoil is (5)_____ away by the hot, dry winds. Streams, ponds, and wells often dry up by a drought, and animals (6)______ and may even die because of the lack of water.