Increased surface runoff
Nature
Increased surface runoff refers to the phenomenon where a larger quantity of water flows over the land surface instead of infiltrating into the soil. This problem arises when precipitation exceeds the soil's capacity to absorb it. Factors such as urbanization, deforestation, and soil compaction contribute to the reduction of permeable surfaces, leading to increased surface runoff. This excess water can cause a range of issues, including flooding, erosion, and the contamination of water bodies with pollutants. Increased surface runoff also disrupts the natural water cycle and can lead to a depletion of groundwater resources. Addressing this problem requires implementing measures such as the creation of green spaces, the use of permeable surfaces, and the implementation of sustainable drainage systems to manage and control the flow of water.
Incidence
As a result of modelling of climate change, continental runoff is estimated to be more sensitive to changes in precipitation than temperature. For a 1øC warming it is estimated that there would be some decrease in runoff in North America and Europe but increases throughout much of the southern hemisphere. A 3-4øC warming would result in a global increase in runoff of 17-18 percent with only North America showing a slight decrease. Runoff from snowmelt may occur earlier in the year in higher latitudes reducing the runoff during the later spring and summer. In the Colorado river basin, a significant increase in potential evapotranspiration could cause a 20 percent reduction in runoff relative to precipitation and a 58 percent decrease in soil moisture storage. The change in the water balance could affect the composition of forests in the region.
Claim
Increased surface runoff is a catastrophic problem that threatens to devastate our communities and wreak havoc on the environment. Due to rampant urbanization and the destruction of natural landscapes, rainwater is unable to infiltrate the ground, resulting in a surge of runoff that overwhelms our drainage systems. This deluge of water not only leads to destructive floods, but also carries pollutants, toxins, and debris into our water bodies, endangering aquatic life and compromising our water quality. Urgent action is needed to address this alarming issue before it drowns our cities and irreversibly damages our fragile ecosystems.
Counter-claim
While it is true that increased surface runoff can lead to issues such as flooding and erosion, these occurrences are often localized and temporary. Moreover, surface runoff can also provide benefits such as recharging groundwater supplies and replenishing lakes and reservoirs. With proper infrastructure and land management practices, the negative impacts of increased surface runoff can be minimized, making it a manageable concern rather than a serious problem.