The Dust Bowl migration, which occurred during the 1930s, was primarily caused by a combination of severe drought and poor agricultural practices. Here are the key physical conditions that led to the Dust Bowl:
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Drought: Extended periods of low rainfall left the soil dry and vulnerable to erosion. The Great Plains experienced several years of severe drought conditions, which crippled crops.
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Soil Erosion: Poor farming techniques, such as deep plowing and over-grazing, removed the protective layer of grass that held the soil in place. This made the soil more susceptible to erosion by wind.
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Windstorms: High winds, combined with the dry, loose soil, created dust storms. These storms could carry away topsoil in massive quantities, further degrading the land and making it inhospitable for farming.
These conditions collectively resulted in significant agricultural failure, prompting many families to migrate from the affected areas (primarily in the southern Great Plains) in search of better living conditions and work opportunities, often heading to California and other states.