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AP Environmental Science Practice Quiz: Methods to Reduce Urban Runoff

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 7 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 7

According to the provided text, what is the primary goal of methods such as planting trees and using permeable pavement in urban environments?

All Questions (7)

According to the provided text, what is the primary goal of methods such as planting trees and using permeable pavement in urban environments?

A) To increase water infiltration

B) To reduce the urban heat island effect

C) To expand the city's transportation network

D) To decrease the cost of new construction

Correct Answer: A

The text explicitly states that methods like planting trees and using permeable pavement are designed to increase water infiltration, which helps mitigate problems associated with urban runoff.

Which of the following is specifically mentioned as a method to replace traditional pavement for the purpose of mitigating urban runoff?

A) Compacted gravel

B) Reinforced concrete

C) Permeable pavement

D) Heated asphalt

Correct Answer: C

The content directly lists 'replacing traditional pavement with permeable pavement' as a method to increase water infiltration and reduce runoff.

All of the following are listed as methods to mitigate urban runoff EXCEPT:

A) Planting trees

B) Building up, not out

C) Increased use of public transportation

D) Constructing concrete-lined drainage channels

Correct Answer: D

The text lists planting trees, building up (not out), and using public transportation as methods to reduce runoff. Constructing concrete-lined drainage channels is a traditional method to manage runoff by moving it quickly, but it does not reduce the volume of runoff or increase infiltration.

How does the urban planning strategy of 'building up, not out' contribute to the reduction of urban runoff?

A) It increases the number of trees that can be planted on a given plot of land.

B) It reduces the overall land area covered by impervious surfaces like roads and buildings.

C) It mandates the use of permeable pavement for all new high-rise constructions.

D) It concentrates runoff into smaller, more manageable collection systems.

Correct Answer: B

Building up (vertically) rather than out (horizontally) allows for denser development, which preserves more open, undeveloped land. This reduces the total footprint of impervious surfaces (urban sprawl) that would otherwise generate runoff.

A city is developing a new commercial district and wants to incorporate strategies to minimize stormwater runoff. Based on the provided text, which action would be most effective in increasing water infiltration on the new parking lots?

A) Painting the pavement a lighter color to reduce heat.

B) Using permeable pavement instead of traditional asphalt.

C) Building a multi-level parking garage to reduce the footprint.

D) Encouraging employees to use public transportation.

Correct Answer: B

For a parking lot, which is a large paved surface, the most direct method mentioned to increase infiltration is replacing traditional, impervious pavement with permeable pavement that allows water to soak through.

Which of the listed methods for reducing urban runoff does so by indirectly decreasing the societal need for impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots?

A) Planting trees

B) Replacing traditional pavement with permeable pavement

C) Increased use of public transportation

D) Building up, not out

Correct Answer: C

Increased use of public transportation reduces the number of individual cars on the road. This, in turn, can decrease the demand for building new roads and large parking lots, which are major sources of impervious surfaces. The other options are more direct modifications to the physical landscape or development patterns.

A city council aims to mitigate problems related to urban runoff. Which of the following pairs of strategies both work by increasing the amount of permeable surface area within the city?

A) Planting trees and increased use of public transportation

B) Using permeable pavement and planting trees

C) Building up, not out and increased use of public transportation

D) Using permeable pavement and building up, not out

Correct Answer: B

Both using permeable pavement and planting trees directly increase the permeability of surfaces within the urban landscape. Permeable pavement allows water to pass through it, and the soil around trees absorbs water. While 'building up, not out' preserves permeable land and public transport reduces the need for impervious surfaces, they are less direct than the two options in B.