A watershed, also known as a drainage basin, is an area of land where the water drains to a central point like a lake, river, or an ocean. Natural vegetation in the landscape, helps maintain the natural flow regime of water and rapid changes in water levels in lakes and wetlands. Imagine a portion of a wetland that has changed as seen in the image . Predict what will happen to the natural flow of water as natural vegetation is replaced by impervious surfaces.
Responses
A Groundwater flow will increase to its end point causing flooding.Groundwater flow will increase to its end point causing flooding.
B Runoff will increase and less water will penetrate the soil to become groundwater.Runoff will increase and less water will penetrate the soil to become groundwater.
C Ground water will puddle up and remain in one place instead of flowing to a central point.Ground water will puddle up and remain in one place instead of flowing to a central point.
D Impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots will divert water flow and it will not reach its end point.Impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots will divert water flow and it will not reach its end point.
D Impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots will divert water flow and it will not reach its end point.
B. Runoff will increase and less water will penetrate the soil to become groundwater.
B Runoff will increase and less water will penetrate the soil to become groundwater.
When natural vegetation is replaced by impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots, the water cannot infiltrate the soil as easily. This leads to an increase in surface runoff because the water is unable to penetrate the ground and become groundwater. The impervious surfaces also divert water flow, preventing it from reaching its natural endpoint like a lake, river, or ocean. As a result, less water will be absorbed by the soil, and more water will flow over the surface, potentially causing increased flooding and decrease in groundwater recharge.