AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Impacts of Urbanization
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
Name two urban sources that increase atmospheric CO2.
The burning of fossil fuels (for energy, transport, etc.) and emissions from landfills are two major urban sources of increased atmospheric CO2.
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Name two urban sources that increase atmospheric CO2.
The burning of fossil fuels (for energy, transport, etc.) and emissions from landfills are two major urban sources of increased atmospheric CO2.
What are impervious surfaces?
Impervious surfaces are materials, such as roads and buildings, that do not allow water to pass through and reach the soil.
Identify two negative impacts of urbanization on the hydrologic cycle.
Urbanization can lead to the depletion of water resources and cause saltwater intrusion.
A city converts a large forested area into a shopping mall with a large parking lot. What is the most likely immediate impact on the local water cycle?
The new impervious surfaces (mall and parking lot) will prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, leading to increased runoff and a higher risk of flooding.
Explain the connection between impervious surfaces and flooding.
Because impervious surfaces prevent water from infiltrating the ground, they increase surface runoff, which can lead to flooding.
What is urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl is the change in population distribution from high-density areas to low-density suburbs that spread into rural lands.
How does urbanization affect the carbon cycle?
Urbanization increases the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere through activities like the burning of fossil fuels and the operation of landfills.
How does population distribution change during urban sprawl?
Population shifts from high population density urban centers to low-density suburbs that spread out over a wider area.
What is a major environmental effect of urbanization regarding natural resources?
Urbanization can lead to the depletion of natural resources, such as water, due to high demand from concentrated populations.
What is a major environmental concern associated with urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl leads to potential environmental problems because it involves the expansion of development into rural lands.
A coastal city relies heavily on groundwater. What problem related to the hydrologic cycle might it face due to urbanization?
The city might experience saltwater intrusion, where overuse of groundwater allows seawater to contaminate the freshwater supply.