Urbanization, or the growth of cities, makes flooding more likely in big cities for a few reasons:
Hard Surfaces: When cities are built, natural land like grass and dirt gets covered with concrete and asphalt. This means rainwater can't soak into the ground, so it runs off quickly instead.
Drainage Systems: Cities have systems to help drain water, but during heavy rain, these systems can get overwhelmed. This can lead to floods in the streets.
Climate Change: Cities can get hotter than rural areas. This extra heat can cause more heavy rain. For example, cities like Houston have seen more flooding linked to these changes in weather.
Fewer Green Spaces: When parks and wetlands are removed, there is less nature to soak up rainwater.
By understanding these issues, city planners can create better strategies to manage floods and keep people safe.
Urbanization, or the growth of cities, makes flooding more likely in big cities for a few reasons:
Hard Surfaces: When cities are built, natural land like grass and dirt gets covered with concrete and asphalt. This means rainwater can't soak into the ground, so it runs off quickly instead.
Drainage Systems: Cities have systems to help drain water, but during heavy rain, these systems can get overwhelmed. This can lead to floods in the streets.
Climate Change: Cities can get hotter than rural areas. This extra heat can cause more heavy rain. For example, cities like Houston have seen more flooding linked to these changes in weather.
Fewer Green Spaces: When parks and wetlands are removed, there is less nature to soak up rainwater.
By understanding these issues, city planners can create better strategies to manage floods and keep people safe.