How can urbanization affect a local area?

Urbanization can significantly affect local areas in various ways, and one clear impact is the increased risk of flooding. When urban areas develop, natural landscapes are often replaced with impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and parking lots. These surfaces do not absorb water, leading to increased runoff during rain events. As a result, water quickly flows into drainage systems, rivers, and streams, which can exceed their capacity and cause flooding.

Additionally, the prevalence of concrete and asphalt reduces the land's natural ability to absorb rainfall, disrupting the local hydrology. Urban areas may also experience a rise in temperature compared to surrounding rural areas, which can further exacerbate extreme weather events and alter rainfall patterns. Therefore, urbanization directly contributes to an increased risk of flooding by modifying the landscape and hydrological systems.

By contrast, the other options present scenarios that typically do not occur with urbanization. The introduction of impervious surfaces often leads to more invasive species as disturbed habitats provide opportunities for these species to thrive. Urbanization tends to increase pollution risk rather than decrease it, especially with runoff carrying oils, chemicals, and waste into water bodies. Furthermore, urban growth often escalates the demand for natural resources rather than diminishing it, as cities require significant resources for construction,