Urbanization's Impacts on Runoff
Abstract
Urban development alters the natural hydrologic process. It increases and accelerates runoff, reduces infiltration, and deteriorates water quality. Neglecting these impacts in the past aggravated flooding, caused stream pollution, and lowered water tables. These impacts are discussed in this chapter. In addition, urbanization causes thermal pollution from dark impervious surfaces such as roofs and streets. This latter impact, which is linked to global warming, is, however, beyond the scope of this book.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Urban Stormwater Management Solutions
Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
Urban Heat Island Mitigation
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 1–20
- Publication date
- 4 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter