How does pavement affect the water cycle

Urban development is an important agent of environmental change in the United States. The urban footprint on the American landscape has expanded during a century and a half of almost continuous development. Eighty percent of Americans now live in metropolitan areas, and the advantages and challenges of living in these developed areas— Urban development remains an important agent of environmental change in the United States.

The U. Skip to main content. Search Search. Water Science School. Urbanization and Water Quality. Water Quality Information by Topic Learn more. Water Science School Home Learn all about water! Go HOME! Beginning of urbanization Change in Land Use: Remove trees and vegetation. Continuing urbanization Change in Land Use: Urbanization is finished by the addition of more roads, houses, and commercial and industrial buildings.

Local community takes steps to fix some problems Change in Land Use: Improvements in the storm drainage system are made. Below are related topics about urbanization and water quality. Date published: November 13, Filter Total Items: 1. Year Select Year Apply Filter. Date published: March 3, Contacts: Barbara Mahler. Below are publications associated with urbanization and water quality. Filter Total Items: 2. Year Published: Effects of urban development on stream ecosystems in nine metropolitan study areas across the United States Urban development is an important agent of environmental change in the United States.

Coles, James F. Attribution: Water Resources. The C 2 runoff coefficient for the remaining land cover was therefore obtained as shown below;. Therefore, the inflow in Migina catchment or the annual rainfall for June May is The outflow for Migina catchment is represented by evapotranspiration and outlet discharge where the annual reference evapotranspiration is Also, the outlet discharge the average is equal to 1.

In estimating the water balance of Migina catchment for June May , the following equation was used. The water balance of Migina catchment during June to May is calculated and found to be:. The change in stock within Migina catchment during June to May is estimated to be millions of m 3. The inflow in Migina catchment annual rainfall for is The outflow such as the annual reference evapotranspiration is equal to Therefore, the annual actual evapotranspiration for Migina catchment is equal to Meanwhile, the average discharge for stands at 0.

The change in stock within Migina catchment during is estimated to be million of m 3. These findings tally and are in close range as that given in [22]. These studies revealed that, during the last 30 years the runoff has increased by 3. This may be attributed to the infiltration of water into the soil [23] [24]. This may also lead to increase pollution due to surface water run-off which may also spread water borne diseases as a result of little or no water self-purification.

This increase in runoff also reduces water storage hence leads to water scarcity within the surrounding area [25] - [27]. This reduces surface albe do hence a drop in the contribution of evapotranspiration to rainfall. A progressive reduction in rainfall is gradually created with consequences for agriculture due to recurrent droughts [24] [26]. The change in storage has slightly decreased by 0. These changes in the hydrological cycle could be attributed to the new residential plots of Butare town whose population increased from a mere in to over , inhabitants in This growth in population has been detrimental to the natural landscape cover hence fluctuations in the hydrological cycle.

These changes are all due to an increase in demand for basic and social amenities as a result of an increase in population of Butare town. The consequences of urbanization on the hydrological cycle could be curtailed by structural adjustment programmes including urban greening and provision of detention of runoff water in urban drainage systems.

Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions, 10, Random House, New York. Effects of Urbanization on the Water Cycle. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2, International Journal of Ecology and Development, 16, Nile Water Science and Engineering Journal, 4, National University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda.

Urbanization and the Water Cycle. Journal of Food Security, 2, Savenije, H. Delft, The Netherlands. Climate Research, 17, Water SA, 29, Geographycal Research Abstracts, 11, Home Journals Article. DOI: Abstract In this study, we carry out an assessment of the impact of urbanization on Butare, southern Rwanda and evaluate its effect on the hydrological process at the Migina catchment.

Share and Cite:. Gatwaza, O. Open Access Library Journal , 3 , Introduction Rain water, either returns to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration or infiltrates the soil, runs off on the surface and likely ends up into a river, ocean or lake Figure 1 [1] - [3]. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. References [ 1 ] Munyaneza, O. Journals Menu. Due to being sealed or covered over, urban soils can be compacted and lacking in nutrients and soil organisms.

This prohibits soils from being able to capture and hold water, and also stops groundwater infiltration. Low soil water holding capacity and sealed surfaces can contribute to a loss of biodiversity and an increase in the urban heat island effect. This all accumulates to create a significant change in natural hydrological cycle.

The aim of water management within an urban context is to restore the natural water cycle rhythm, slow water down and allow for groundwater infiltration and regeneration. The aim is also to allow evapotranspiration and subsequently, urban cooling to occur. Water sensitive urban design is a key component of integrated water cycle management.

Flooding and defences Learn how the City of Melbourne mitigates the three major kinds of flooding. Move your mouse over the picture to learn more about how urban development impacts the natural water cycle. About Our water story What is the water cycle? How does urbanisation impact the water cycle? What is water sensitive urban design? Flooding and defences Water and climate change Water use facts What water do we manage?

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