#AP Environmental Science: Urbanization - The Night Before

Hey there! Let's get you feeling super confident about Urbanization for your APES exam. We'll break it down, make it memorable, and get you ready to ace it!

#🏙️ What is Urbanization?

Urbanization is simply the increase in the number of people living in cities and towns. Think of it as a population shift from rural to urban areas. This shift has a HUGE impact on land use and the economy.

#Why is it Happening?

• Population Growth: More people = more need for housing and services in urban areas.
• Economic Development: Cities often offer better job opportunities.
• Transportation & Communication: Easier to move to and live in cities.

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#🔄 Impact on Natural Cycles

Urbanization throws off the natural balance of biogeochemical cycles. Here's how:

#💧 Water Cycle

• Reduced Percolation: Buildings and parking lots prevent water from soaking into the ground.
• Increased Runoff: More water flows over the surface, often leading to flooding.
• Less Groundwater Recharge: Less water makes it back into underground aquifers.

#🌿 Nitrogen Cycle

• Altered Plant Growth: Changes in nitrogen availability in soils impact plant growth.
• Increased Nitrogen Runoff: Fertilizers and waste can lead to excess nitrogen in waterways.

#💨 Carbon Cycle

• Increased CO2 Emissions: Burning fossil fuels for energy increases atmospheric CO2. * Deforestation: Building structures reduces the number of trees to capture CO2.
  Exam Tip

Remember that changes in one cycle affect others. Everything is connected! 🔗

#🏘️ Urban Sprawl

Urban sprawl is when urban growth spreads into rural areas with little to no planning. It's like a ...