This study guide covers urbanization, including its definition, causes (population growth, economic development, transportation), and impacts on natural cycles (water, nitrogen, carbon). It also explores urban sprawl, its negative consequences, and the benefits and drawbacks of urbanization. Finally, it discusses sustainable urban development strategies and provides practice questions and exam tips for the AP Environmental Science exam.

#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.

Key Concept

Urbanization isn't just about more people; it's about how human activity changes the environment. 💡

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#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 ...

#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?

#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.

Key Concept

Urbanization isn't just about more people; it's about how human activity changes the environment. 💡

markdown-image

#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 ...

Urbanization is best described as a shift of population from?

Urban to rural areas

Coastal to inland areas

Rural to urban areas

Suburban to downtown areas

Urbanization is best described as a shift of population from?

Urban to rural areas

Coastal to inland areas

Rural to urban areas

Suburban to downtown areas

Impacts of Urbanization

Grace Taylor

#AP Environmental Science: Urbanization - The Night Before

#🏙️ What is Urbanization?

#Why is it Happening?

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#🔄 Impact on Natural Cycles

#💧 Water Cycle

#🌿 Nitrogen Cycle

#💨 Carbon Cycle

#🏘️ Urban Sprawl

How are we doing?

Impacts of Urbanization

Grace Taylor

#AP Environmental Science: Urbanization - The Night Before

#🏙️ What is Urbanization?

#Why is it Happening?

#Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#🔄 Impact on Natural Cycles

#💧 Water Cycle

#🌿 Nitrogen Cycle

#💨 Carbon Cycle

#🏘️ Urban Sprawl

How are we doing?