Final answer:
True, impervious surfaces lead to increased surface runoff by preventing water absorption, which in turn raises flood risks downstream, especially in urbanized areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, impervious surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete, prevent water from infiltrating into the soil, leading to increased surface runoff. When rain falls, it is unable to absorb into the ground as it would with natural landscapes covered by vegetation and porous materials. Instead, water flows rapidly over these surfaces, causing higher peak flows to enter waterways more quickly. This phenomenon can exacerbate flood risks downstream, especially during significant rain events. Urban development often increases impervious surfaces, consequently raising concerns about stormwater management and flood mitigation.