AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Methods To Reduce Urban Runoff

Study Methods To Reduce Urban Runoff in AP Environmental Science with focused flashcards that help you recognize the idea, recall the key rule, and apply it in practice-style prompts.

AP Environmental Science

Methods To Reduce Urban Runoff

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QUESTION
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What is a permeable paver?

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ANSWER

A paving material that allows water infiltration. Alternative to traditional concrete that promotes infiltration.

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What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Methods To Reduce Urban Runoff, 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.

All flashcards

Flashcard 1: What is a permeable paver?

Answer: A paving material that allows water infiltration. Alternative to traditional concrete that promotes infiltration.

Flashcard 2: What is the advantage of using mulch?

Answer: Reduces soil erosion and aids water retention. Protects soil surface and improves water infiltration rates.

Flashcard 3: How does tree planting reduce urban runoff?

Answer: Trees absorb water through their roots. Canopy intercepts rainfall and roots increase soil infiltration.

Flashcard 4: What is the purpose of grassed waterways?

Answer: To convey and filter stormwater runoff. Vegetated channels that slow flow and remove pollutants.

Flashcard 5: What is the role of native plants in runoff reduction?

Answer: Deep roots enhance water absorption. Native species require less water and improve soil structure.

Flashcard 6: What is the role of detention basins?

Answer: To temporarily hold and slow runoff. Provide flood control by temporarily storing excess water.

Flashcard 7: How do vegetated swales help reduce runoff?

Answer: By channeling and filtering stormwater. Shallow channels slow flow and allow natural filtration.

Flashcard 8: What is the use of vegetative buffers?

Answer: To filter runoff and protect water bodies. Vegetation strips that intercept and treat runoff.

Flashcard 9: How does zoning influence urban runoff?

Answer: Zoning laws can limit impervious surfaces. Regulations can require pervious surfaces and green infrastructure.

Flashcard 10: What is the purpose of a rain chain?

Answer: To guide rainwater from roofs to storage or ground. Alternative to downspouts that slows water flow velocity.

Flashcard 11: Identify a benefit of using porous asphalt.

Answer: Allows water to infiltrate into the ground. Reduces surface runoff by promoting groundwater recharge.

Flashcard 12: Identify a method to minimize soil erosion.

Answer: Plant cover crops on bare soil. Vegetation protects soil from erosion and increases infiltration.

Flashcard 13: How do roof gardens benefit urban runoff control?

Answer: They absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. Living roof systems that capture and retain precipitation.

Flashcard 14: How do urban ponds contribute to runoff control?

Answer: They retain and treat stormwater. Water features that provide storage and natural treatment.

Flashcard 15: What is the role of soil amendments in runoff control?

Answer: They improve soil structure and water infiltration. Enhanced soil properties increase water absorption capacity.

Flashcard 16: How does using native vegetation impact runoff?

Answer: It reduces water needs and improves infiltration. Adapted plants require less irrigation and improve soil health.

Flashcard 17: What is a stormwater tree trench?

Answer: A system using trees to manage stormwater. Combines tree planting with underground water storage systems.

Flashcard 18: What is a permeable paver?

Answer: A paving material that allows water infiltration. Alternative to traditional concrete that promotes infiltration.

Flashcard 19: How can urban gardens reduce runoff?

Answer: They capture and use rainwater. Plants intercept rainfall and reduce surface runoff volume.

Flashcard 20: What is a bioswale?

Answer: A vegetated channel that filters stormwater. Engineered landscape feature that treats runoff naturally.

Flashcard 21: What is the purpose of curb cuts in urban design?

Answer: To direct stormwater to permeable areas. Breaks in curbs allow water flow into vegetated areas.

Flashcard 22: What is xeriscaping?

Answer: Landscaping to reduce water usage. Drought-resistant landscaping that reduces irrigation runoff.

Flashcard 23: What is the purpose of green roofs?

Answer: To absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. Vegetation intercepts rainfall and retains water in growing medium.

Flashcard 24: What is the function of catch basins?

Answer: To trap debris and prevent drain blockages. Infrastructure component that protects drainage systems.

Flashcard 25: Name a method to reduce impervious surfaces.

Answer: Use of permeable paving materials. Reduces surface area that prevents water infiltration.

Flashcard 26: Name a method to reduce impervious surfaces.

Answer: Use of permeable paving materials. Reduces surface area that prevents water infiltration.

Flashcard 27: What is a dry well?

Answer: An underground structure for stormwater infiltration. Underground infiltration system for localized water management.

Flashcard 28: How do infiltration basins function?

Answer: They allow stormwater to soak into the ground. Designed to capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff.

Flashcard 29: What is an eco-roof?

Answer: A roof covered with vegetation. Green roof system that manages stormwater naturally.

Flashcard 30: How does zoning influence urban runoff?

Answer: Zoning laws can limit impervious surfaces. Regulations can require pervious surfaces and green infrastructure.

Flashcard 31: Identify a strategy to enhance soil infiltration.

Answer: Amending soil with organic matter. Improves soil porosity and water-holding capacity.

Flashcard 32: How do vegetated swales help reduce runoff?

Answer: By channeling and filtering stormwater. Shallow channels slow flow and allow natural filtration.

Flashcard 33: What is the role of native plants in runoff reduction?

Answer: Deep roots enhance water absorption. Native species require less water and improve soil structure.

Flashcard 34: What is low impact development (LID)?

Answer: An approach to manage stormwater close to its source. Integrates development with natural hydrologic functions.

Flashcard 35: What is the benefit of using rain barrels?

Answer: To collect and store rainwater for later use. Reduces demand on municipal water and stormwater systems.

Flashcard 36: What is the role of soil amendments in runoff control?

Answer: They improve soil structure and water infiltration. Enhanced soil properties increase water absorption capacity.

Flashcard 37: How does urban planning impact runoff?

Answer: Effective planning reduces impervious surfaces. Strategic design minimizes impermeable surfaces and maximizes infiltration.

Flashcard 38: What is an infiltration trench?

Answer: A trench filled with gravel that aids water infiltration. Provides underground storage and promotes groundwater recharge.

Flashcard 39: What is the purpose of curb cuts in urban design?

Answer: To direct stormwater to permeable areas. Breaks in curbs allow water flow into vegetated areas.

Flashcard 40: What is a green infrastructure?

Answer: Systems that mimic natural water processes. Sustainable approach using natural processes for water management.

Flashcard 41: What is a green infrastructure?

Answer: Systems that mimic natural water processes. Sustainable approach using natural processes for water management.

Flashcard 42: What is a rain garden?

Answer: A landscaped area that absorbs and filters stormwater. Designed to capture runoff and allow natural infiltration processes.

Flashcard 43: What is low impact development (LID)?

Answer: An approach to manage stormwater close to its source. Integrates development with natural hydrologic functions.

Flashcard 44: How does tree planting reduce urban runoff?

Answer: Trees absorb water through their roots. Canopy intercepts rainfall and roots increase soil infiltration.

Flashcard 45: How does using native vegetation impact runoff?

Answer: It reduces water needs and improves infiltration. Adapted plants require less irrigation and improve soil health.

Flashcard 46: Identify a benefit of using porous asphalt.

Answer: Allows water to infiltrate into the ground. Reduces surface runoff by promoting groundwater recharge.

Flashcard 47: Identify a method to minimize soil erosion.

Answer: Plant cover crops on bare soil. Vegetation protects soil from erosion and increases infiltration.

Flashcard 48: What is the role of detention basins?

Answer: To temporarily hold and slow runoff. Provide flood control by temporarily storing excess water.

Flashcard 49: What is a rain garden?

Answer: A landscaped area that absorbs and filters stormwater. Designed to capture runoff and allow natural infiltration processes.

Flashcard 50: What is the advantage of using mulch?

Answer: Reduces soil erosion and aids water retention. Protects soil surface and improves water infiltration rates.

Flashcard 51: What is the function of constructed wetlands?

Answer: They treat and filter stormwater naturally. Provide biological treatment and habitat while managing water.

Flashcard 52: What is the function of catch basins?

Answer: To trap debris and prevent drain blockages. Infrastructure component that protects drainage systems.

Flashcard 53: How do urban ponds contribute to runoff control?

Answer: They retain and treat stormwater. Water features that provide storage and natural treatment.

Flashcard 54: What is a stormwater tree trench?

Answer: A system using trees to manage stormwater. Combines tree planting with underground water storage systems.

Flashcard 55: What is the purpose of a rain chain?

Answer: To guide rainwater from roofs to storage or ground. Alternative to downspouts that slows water flow velocity.

Flashcard 56: Identify a strategy to enhance soil infiltration.

Answer: Amending soil with organic matter. Improves soil porosity and water-holding capacity.

Flashcard 57: What is the purpose of grassed waterways?

Answer: To convey and filter stormwater runoff. Vegetated channels that slow flow and remove pollutants.

Flashcard 58: What is an infiltration trench?

Answer: A trench filled with gravel that aids water infiltration. Provides underground storage and promotes groundwater recharge.

Flashcard 59: What role do retention ponds play in urban runoff management?

Answer: They store and slowly release stormwater. Provide temporary storage to prevent downstream flooding.