In floodplain management, what is a drawback of impervious surfaces?

Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. This leads to increased runoff volume during storms, as rainwater cannot infiltrate the soil. The result is that more water flows over these surfaces, contributing to higher peak flows in rivers and streams, which can exacerbate flooding in floodplain areas.

The increased runoff can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events. This aspect of impervious surfaces makes them a significant concern in floodplain management, as controlling stormwater is critical to minimize flooding impacts. By understanding how impervious surfaces impact runoff, planners and landscape architects can better design systems that mitigate flood risks.

Other options, while they highlight various aspects of stormwater management, do not address the fundamental issue of increased runoff resulting from the presence of impervious surfaces.