All Flashcards
Impact of impervious surfaces on groundwater?
Reduced groundwater recharge due to prevention of water seeping into the ground.
How does runoff impact marine systems?
Increased freshwater and pollutant input, disrupting balance.
Role of runoff in water pollution?
Runoff picks up pollutants and transports them to water bodies.
Why is water infiltration important?
Mimics natural processes, replenishing groundwater.
Explain the 'sponge vs. plate' analogy.
Sponge (natural) absorbs, plate (urban) causes runoff.
How does urbanization affect water cycles?
Increases runoff, reduces infiltration, alters flow patterns.
Define urban runoff.
Water from rain/snow flowing over man-made surfaces.
Define impervious surfaces.
Surfaces preventing water infiltration (e.g., roads).
Define permeable pavement.
Pavement allowing water to seep through.
Define green roofs.
Vegetation planted on rooftops to absorb rainwater.
Define rain gardens.
Depressions with vegetation to collect and filter runoff.
Cause: Impervious surfaces. Effect?
Decreased groundwater recharge.
Cause: Urban runoff. Effect?
Water pollution and harm to aquatic life.
Cause: Increased runoff volume. Effect?
Soil erosion and flooding.
Cause: Polluted runoff. Effect?
Contamination of water bodies.