5.10 & 5.13 - Urbanization & Reducing Urban Runoff

Urban

A densely populated area that is often the central part of a city or metropolitan area.

suburban

An area that typically surrounds the central city, is residential, and is not as densely populated as the urban center

Rural

Areas that are less densely populated than both urban and suburban. Primarily agricultural communities. aka "the country"

Urbanization

The process of converting land into a more urban area. Driven by population shifts from rural areas to more dense urban areas.

urban sprawl

Population shift away from high density urban areas into less dense rural areas surrounding the urban center. Results in further urbanization of undeveloped land.

impervious surfaces

Human-made structures--such as roads, building, sidewalks, and parking lots-- that do not allow water to reach the soil, leading to flooding.

stormwater runoff

water from precipitation that lands on impervious surfaces and pools or flows over the surface of the land

flooding

When an area or place is submerged in water, especially urban areas with large amounts of impervious surface

permeable pavement

An absorbent pavement that allows storm water to seep through it to underlying ground where it can recharge groundwater

Planting trees in urban areas

Decreases impervious surfaces and stormwater runoff by increases absorption of precipitation

public transportation

Trains, buses, and subways that reduce air pollution (CO2, CO, particulate matter) and stormwater runoff by reducing single-passenger car use

Building up

Increasing the height of buildings so that less land needs to be developed for housing and businesses

Infill

Development that fills in vacant lots or renovates old buildings in urban areas rather than building new structures and increasing urbanization

urban growth boundaries

a restriction on development outside a designated area in order to prevent urban sprawl and promote infill and building up in existing urban areas

multi-use zoning

A zoning classification that allows retail, business, and high-density residential development to coexist in the same area. Increases land efficiency and walkability of cities.