What impact does urbanization typically have on the hydrologic cycle?

Urbanization significantly alters the natural landscape, typically leading to an increase in impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and parking lots. These surfaces do not allow water to penetrate into the ground, which reduces the natural process of water infiltration into the soil. As a result, when it rains, a greater volume of water runs off these surfaces and flows directly into storm drains and waterways. This phenomenon increases runoff, potentially leading to flooding, erosion, and the degradation of water quality as pollutants from urban areas can be washed into natural water bodies without being filtered by soil.

Moreover, the increase in runoff can also result in altered flow patterns and hydrology, affecting the surrounding ecosystems. Thus, urbanization tends to disrupt the balance of the hydrologic cycle, leading to the outcome noted in the correct answer.