Final answer:
The correct answer is A, natural areas absorb rainwater and reduce runoff, enhancing Houston's flood resilience by mitigating flood impact, preventing soil erosion, and improving water quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is A. Natural areas absorb rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that reaches flooded streets and buildings, making Houston more resilient to flooding.
Natural areas play a crucial role in flood mitigation and ecosystem services. They are essential for hydrologic regulation through the storage of excess water from floods. These areas, such as forests, wetlands, and prairies, slow down runoff and help prevent soil erosion. They further improve water quality by removing excess nutrients from runoff before it enters rivers or lakes. Moreover, natural areas provide unique and lush habitats essential for high biodiversity, supporting various plant and animal communities. In urban environments like Houston, preserving natural areas can be a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy to enhance the city's resilience to flooding. These spaces act as a buffer absorbing and gradually releasing rainwater, which alleviates pressure on drainage systems and reduces the likelihood and impact of flood events.