AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Impacts Of Urbanization

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Impacts Of Urbanization, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify a sustainable urban transport option.

Answer: Cycling infrastructure. Bike lanes reduce vehicle dependency and emissions.

Flashcard 2: Which type of waste increases with urbanization?

Answer: Municipal solid waste. Higher population density produces more garbage and refuse.

Flashcard 3: What is an urban heat island?

Answer: Urban area significantly warmer than its surroundings. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain more heat than vegetation.

Flashcard 4: What effect does urbanization have on soil quality?

Answer: Decreases soil permeability. Compaction and sealing prevent water absorption and root growth.

Flashcard 5: What is a common challenge in urban growth?

Answer: Infrastructure expansion. Rapid population growth strains roads, utilities, and services.

Flashcard 6: What is a common challenge in urban growth?

Answer: Infrastructure expansion. Rapid population growth strains roads, utilities, and services.

Flashcard 7: How does urbanization affect energy consumption?

Answer: Leads to increased energy demand. More people and infrastructure require additional power sources.

Flashcard 8: What is a solution to urban water pollution?

Answer: Implementing green infrastructure. Permeable surfaces and vegetation naturally filter contaminants.

Flashcard 9: What is the impact of urbanization on biodiversity?

Answer: Reduction in species diversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation reduce wildlife populations.

Flashcard 10: How does urbanization affect local wildlife?

Answer: Displaces native species. Development destroys nesting sites and food sources.

Flashcard 11: What is a benefit of urban agriculture?

Answer: Improves food security. Local food production reduces transport costs and emissions.

Flashcard 12: Identify an urban planning strategy to reduce pollution.

Answer: Promoting public transportation. Mass transit reduces individual vehicle emissions per person.

Flashcard 13: What environmental issue is exacerbated by urbanization?

Answer: Air pollution. Higher vehicle density and industrial activity increase emissions.

Flashcard 14: Name a consequence of urban sprawl.

Answer: Loss of agricultural land. Cities expand outward, converting farmland to development.

Flashcard 15: How does urbanization impact water quality?

Answer: Increases pollution and runoff contamination. More impervious surfaces create contaminated stormwater runoff.

Flashcard 16: How does urbanization affect local climate?

Answer: Creates microclimates. Buildings and surfaces alter temperature and wind patterns.

Flashcard 17: Identify a health issue from urban air pollution.

Answer: Asthma. Fine particles and ozone trigger respiratory inflammation.

Flashcard 18: What social issue is often linked to urbanization?

Answer: Increased housing demand and shortages. Population growth outpaces housing construction capacity.

Flashcard 19: Identify an urban strategy to manage stormwater.

Answer: Constructing retention ponds. Artificial basins collect and slowly release excess rainfall.

Flashcard 20: What infrastructure is often stressed by urbanization?

Answer: Transportation systems. Increased population density overwhelms existing capacity.

Flashcard 21: How does urbanization affect carbon sequestration?

Answer: Reduces vegetation cover, lowering sequestration. Concrete replaces forests and grasslands that store carbon.

Flashcard 22: Identify a benefit of urban green spaces.

Answer: Reduces urban heat effects. Trees and parks provide cooling through shade and evapotranspiration.

Flashcard 23: Identify a health impact associated with urbanization.

Answer: Increased respiratory problems. Poor air quality from emissions causes lung-related illnesses.

Flashcard 24: How does urbanization contribute to climate change?

Answer: Increases greenhouse gas emissions. More energy use and transportation produce more carbon emissions.

Flashcard 25: Identify an urban policy to reduce emissions.

Answer: Enforcing emissions standards. Regulations limit vehicle and industrial pollution levels.

Flashcard 26: What is a consequence of poor urban waste management?

Answer: Increased landfill use. Inadequate collection and disposal systems overwhelm waste facilities.

Flashcard 27: What is a common result of inadequate urban planning?

Answer: Traffic congestion. Insufficient roads and transit systems create vehicle bottlenecks.

Flashcard 28: How does urbanization impact natural habitats?

Answer: Leads to habitat fragmentation. Development divides ecosystems into smaller, isolated patches.

Flashcard 29: What is the impact of urbanization on public health?

Answer: Increases exposure to pollutants. Higher concentrations of air and water contaminants affect residents.

Flashcard 30: What is urbanization?

Answer: The process of increasing population in urban areas. Driven by economic opportunities and better services in cities.

Flashcard 31: What is a major source of urban noise pollution?

Answer: Transportation systems. Cars, buses, and trains generate significant sound pollution.

Flashcard 32: What is a feature of sustainable urban design?

Answer: Mixed-use developments. Combines residential, commercial, and office spaces efficiently.

Flashcard 33: What is the effect of urbanization on local hydrology?

Answer: Alters natural water flow and increases runoff. Concrete surfaces prevent groundwater recharge and increase flooding.

Flashcard 34: What is a negative effect of urban lighting?

Answer: Light pollution. Artificial illumination disrupts natural day-night cycles.

Flashcard 35: What is a common source of urban air pollution?

Answer: Vehicle emissions. Cars and trucks release particulates and toxic gases.

Flashcard 36: What role does vegetation play in urban areas?

Answer: Reduces air pollution and heat. Plants absorb pollutants and provide evaporative cooling.

Flashcard 37: What factor increases the urban heat island effect?

Answer: Paved surfaces and buildings. Dark surfaces absorb solar radiation and reduce cooling winds.

Flashcard 38: Which gas's concentration increases with urbanization?

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Vehicles, industry, and reduced vegetation increase emissions.

Flashcard 39: Identify a primary cause of urbanization.

Answer: Rural to urban migration. People move seeking jobs and better living conditions.