What impact does urbanization have on erosion rates?

Urbanization significantly impacts erosion rates primarily by altering the landscape and reducing natural vegetation. As urban areas expand, natural land cover—such as forests and grasslands—is often replaced with impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete. These surfaces do not absorb rainfall, leading to increased surface runoff. When rainwater flows over these impermeable surfaces, it gains speed and volume, which can carry away topsoil and other materials more effectively than under natural conditions.

Moreover, the removal of vegetation, which stabilizes soil with roots, further exacerbates erosion. Plants not only slow down water flow but also help to anchor the soil in place, reducing the likelihood of erosion. Without this vegetative cover, the soil is more vulnerable to being washed away during heavy rains.

This combination of increased runoff and reduced vegetation effectively increases erosion rates in urbanized areas, making the second option the correct answer. It highlights the key relationship between land use changes due to urbanization and their detrimental effects on soil stability and erosion dynamics.