Question

source: adapted from the lost colony and jamestown droughts, science, april 24, 1998. note: this study determined rainfall amounts by examining tree - ring patterns in old cypress trees growing near jamestown. every year leaves a growth ring inside the trunk of a tree. a wider ring indicates plenty of rainfall and good growth. a narrow ring usually means less rain. 0 on the chart means average tree - ring size and therefore average rainfall. document analysis 1. what is indicated by a sharp spike below the 0 line? what were the dates of the first five years of settlement in jamestown? (see background essay) 2. look at the years 1580 to 1640. during which period did jamestown suffer its longest unbroken period of drought? 3. in the winter of 1609 - 1610, jamestown experienced what settlers called thestarving time. based on this document, what inference can you make about the cause of thisstarving time? 4. is there any way lack of rain might strain english relations with the powhatans? explain.

Explanation:

1. The graph's key indicates that values below 0 mean less rain. Historical records give the start of Jamestown settlement in 1607.
2. Visual inspection of the graph for continuous negative values within the given time - frame.
3. Drought affects agriculture and food availability.
4. Scarcity of resources due to drought often leads to conflict between groups.

Answer:

1. A sharp spike below the 0 - line indicates a period of significantly less than average rainfall. The first five years of settlement in Jamestown were 1607 - 1611.
2. By observing the graph from 1580 to 1640, the longest unbroken period of drought appears to be from around 1606 - 1612.
3. The "starving time" in 1609 - 1610 may have been caused in part by the drought conditions shown in the graph. Lack of rainfall could have led to poor crop yields, making food scarce.
4. Lack of rain could strain English - Powhatan relations. Drought would reduce crop yields for both the English settlers and the Powhatans. This could lead to competition over limited food resources and water, potentially causing conflict.