How does urbanization affect the water cycle in California?

Urbanization significantly alters the natural landscape, primarily by increasing the number of impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and buildings. These surfaces prevent water from being absorbed into the ground, which leads to decreased groundwater recharge. Instead of seeping into the soil, rainwater and runoff flow over these impermeable surfaces, resulting in increased runoff.

This runoff contributes to various challenges, including heightened flooding risk and a decline in water quality, as pollutants can be washed into waterways without the natural filtration provided by soil. Additionally, the increase in runoff can lead to lower groundwater levels, as less water is available to percolate back into aquifers. Consequently, option B accurately captures the multi-faceted impacts of urbanization on California's water cycle by addressing both the reduction in groundwater recharge and the increase in surface runoff caused by impervious materials within urban environments.