Question

multiple choice
question 9
listen
how does urbanization affect natural disasters?
a urbanization prevents hurricanes from forming in cities.
b urbanization creates more impermeable surfaces, increasing flood risk.
c urbanization increases the amount of open space, reducing flood risk.

Explanation:

• Option A: Hurricanes form due to meteorological conditions (warm ocean waters, wind patterns, etc.), and urbanization does not prevent their formation. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Urbanization involves building infrastructure like roads, buildings, etc., which are impermeable (water can't pass through easily). When it rains, water can't infiltrate the ground as much, leading to more runoff and increased flood risk. This is a correct explanation of how urbanization affects natural disasters (floods here).
• Option C: Urbanization typically reduces open space as land is developed for urban use (buildings, roads, etc.), so it does not increase open space. Also, less open space (which often has permeable surfaces like soil, grass) would actually increase flood risk, not reduce it. So C is incorrect.

The Answer:

B

Answer:

• Option A: Hurricanes form due to meteorological conditions (warm ocean waters, wind patterns, etc.), and urbanization does not prevent their formation. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Urbanization involves building infrastructure like roads, buildings, etc., which are impermeable (water can't pass through easily). When it rains, water can't infiltrate the ground as much, leading to more runoff and increased flood risk. This is a correct explanation of how urbanization affects natural disasters (floods here).
• Option C: Urbanization typically reduces open space as land is developed for urban use (buildings, roads, etc.), so it does not increase open space. Also, less open space (which often has permeable surfaces like soil, grass) would actually increase flood risk, not reduce it. So C is incorrect.

The Answer:

B