How has converting forests to mostly paved urban areas changed the streams and rivers in the affected watersheds?
A)Flooding has decreased.
B)Infiltration shifts to runoff.
C)Evaporation has increased.
D)Levels of water flow and pollution have decreased.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When forests are converted to paved urban areas, infiltration of water into the ground is dramatically reduced, and instead, more water runs off into nearby streams and rivers, leading to increased flooding and erosion. This also means that the water is not as well-filtered, leading to increased levels of pollution. Evaporation rates may increase in nearby areas due to the urban heat island effect, but this would not have a significant impact on the streams and rivers in the affected watersheds. The level of water flow and pollution would likely increase rather than decrease.

How Has Converting Forests to Mostly Paved Urban Areas Changed