Urbanization and Its Effects

A set of 20 flashcards covering the key concepts of urbanization, its environmental effects, and related social issues.

What is urbanization?

The act of converting natural landscapes into urban landscapes such as cities or towns.

What major environmental issue is caused by urbanization?

Urban runoff, which occurs due to the replacement of pervious land with impervious surfaces.

What does impervious surface mean?

Land that does not allow water to infiltrate, such as concrete and asphalt.

How does urbanization affect groundwater recharge?

It limits groundwater recharge, leading to increased urban runoff.

What is saltwater intrusion?

The contamination of freshwater sources with saltwater due to lowering water tables.

How does urbanization lead to increased CO2 emissions?

Through fossil fuel combustion in construction and machinery and the cement production process.

What are some consequences of urban sprawl?

Declining city budgets, cut services, increased blight, and out-migration of residents.

What is meant by the 'positive feedback loop' in urban sprawl?

A cycle where residents leave a city due to reduced services, causing more residents to leave.

Why do people move from rural areas to urban areas?

For increased job opportunities and access to entertainment or cultural attractions.

What is the role of highways in urban sprawl?

They facilitate commuting from suburbs to urban areas, encouraging suburban living.

What impact does urbanization have on ecosystems?

It can replace valuable ecosystems like wetlands or forests with urban landscapes.

What is urban growth boundary?

A zoning law that restricts urban expansion beyond a certain point.

How can public transportation mitigate urban sprawl?

Effective public transportation can reduce the need for car travel, encouraging people to stay in urban areas.

What does mixed land use refer to?

Combining residential, business, and entertainment facilities to create vibrant communities.

What is one unintended consequence of solutions to urban sprawl?

Potential economic drawbacks such as increased property prices in desirable areas.

What effect does deforestation have on carbon emissions?

It eliminates trees that store carbon and contributes to increased CO2 from decomposition.

What increases the risk of saltwater intrusion in coastal cities?

Excessive groundwater extraction and rising sea levels.

How has urban population growth changed from 1950 to 2000?

There has been a significant shift from rural to urban and suburban communities.

What is urban blight?

The decline of neighborhoods due to abandonment and reduced economic activity.

What major issue arises from urban populations producing more waste?

The need for more landfills, which contribute to CO2 and methane emissions.