Final answer:
Urbanisation is significant in shaping the character of storm hydrographs due to its impact on runoff, alteration of natural waterways, and the sustainability of urban access to clean water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urbanisation is critical to consider when evaluating the factors affecting the character of storm hydrographs because it influences how quickly and how much runoff enters rivers during and after storms. The process of urbanization often involves replacing natural vegetation with impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which reduces the amount of rainwater that can infiltrate into the ground. Consequently, more water runs off directly into storm drains and waterways, leading to quicker and sometimes more severe river responses or floods.
Moreover, urban areas can alter natural waterways through channelization, which speeds up the water flow, impacting the timing and scale of hydrologic services. The discussion on Population, Urbanization, and the Environment acknowledges the transformative effects urban growth has on water provision – from drinking water supplies to flood risks. In densely populated urban areas, sustainable access to resources, particularly clean water and clean air, becomes a pressing issue, exacerbated by urban demands on freshwater systems and the potential for increased pollution and environmental degradation.
Thus, urbanisation directly affects the hydrological cycle, and understanding its impacts is essential for managing water resources and mitigating the effects of storms and floods in urban settings. This is not only about sustainability but also about adapting to the increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, which are partly a consequence of these urban-induced hydrological changes.