Impacts of Urbanization (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Define saltwater intrusion.
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Define saltwater intrusion.
Saltwater intrusion occurs when seawater seeps into freshwater aquifers, making the water undrinkable and unsuitable for agriculture.
How does excessive groundwater extraction cause saltwater intrusion?
Freshwater in aquifers is under natural pressure that keeps saltwater out; removing too much groundwater weakens this pressure, allowing saltwater to enter.
How does overuse of groundwater affect the water table?
Overuse of groundwater lowers the water table, making it harder for communities and agriculture to access water, as in California's Central Valley.
True or False?
Rising sea levels reduce saltwater intrusion in coastal cities.
False.
Rising sea levels from climate change increase saltwater intrusion, which threatens freshwater supplies in coastal cities such as Miami, Florida.
Define impervious surface.
An impervious surface is a human-made structure, such as a road, building, sidewalk, or parking lot, that does not allow water to penetrate the soil.
Organic waste in landfills decomposes in conditions, producing methane.
Organic waste in landfills decomposes in anaerobic conditions, producing methane.
Why is methane from landfills a climate concern?
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas that traps far more heat than CO₂.
Why does replacing forests with concrete and asphalt disrupt the carbon cycle?
Trees that absorb CO₂ are lost, while concrete, asphalt, and buildings store little to no carbon.
Define urban sprawl.
Urban sprawl is the expansion of low-density residential areas into previously undeveloped rural land.
Which industry releases CO₂ directly through chemical reactions?
Cement production releases CO₂ directly through chemical reactions.
How do impervious surfaces increase flood risk?
Water that cannot infiltrate the soil accumulates on impervious surfaces, causing excessive surface runoff that increases flood risk.
True or False?
Impervious surfaces increase groundwater recharge.
False.
Impervious surfaces mean less infiltration into the soil, so groundwater supplies are not replenished, which can cause water shortages.
Which pollutants does runoff from impervious surfaces collect?
Runoff from impervious surfaces collects oil, heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants, which flow into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
How do impervious surfaces cause the urban heat island effect?
Impervious surfaces absorb and retain heat, which raises local temperatures.
Higher urban temperatures increase energy demands for , leading to more fossil fuel consumption.
Higher urban temperatures increase energy demands for air conditioning, leading to more fossil fuel consumption.
How have transportation advancements contributed to urban sprawl?
Highway development and the availability of cars make it easier for people to live farther from workplaces and city centers.
How does cheaper land contribute to urban sprawl?
Land in suburban and rural areas is cheaper than in urban centers, so developers build single-family homes and shopping centers that spread communities outward.
True or False?
Suburban homes usually need less energy for heating and cooling.
False.
Suburban homes require more energy for heating and cooling because of their larger sizes.
How does urban sprawl increase air pollution?
Longer commutes put more cars on the road, increasing CO₂ emissions, and reduced public transit use raises per capita fuel consumption.
How does urban sprawl cause biodiversity loss?
Suburban developments replace forests, wetlands, and farmland, and wildlife habitats become fragmented.
How does urbanization affect freshwater supplies?
Growing populations and industries increase freshwater consumption, which puts stress on local water supplies.
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