Discussion This section will address three points related to the data presented in the aforementioned figures: (1) critically evaluate the data, (2) interpret the data, and (3) show how they correlate with the current state of knowledge. A systematic analysis of Figures 2 and 3 reveals that much urban sprawl has occurred in the D’Olive Creek Watershed from 1989 to 2016. As stated previously, impervious surfaces reroute runoff, which can impact sedimentation, erosion, and pollution processes in local environments. Over the past few decades, urban development has had negative effects on the local watershed (Coffee 2010). Based on Figures 2 and 3, it can be asserted that this environmental stress correlates with the local, urban sprawl displayed
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An observation of the change in urban areas from 1989 to 2016 in this figure shows that much urban sprawl has occurred throughout the watershed during this timeframe. Figure 3 supports the above claim, displaying much non-urban to urban landscape change from 1989 to 2016. In this figure, yellow represents urban areas with no change, red represents a change from non-urban to urban, and green displays non-urban areas that did not change—referring to landscape change from 1989 to 2016. In brief, both figures display land cover change in the D’Olive Creek Watershed, with specific emphasis on urban sprawl. A thorough evaluation of these figures shows a clear increase in urban sprawl in the …show more content…
Although related issues—sedimentation, erosion, and pollution—are well known in the literature, the area continues to show signs of urban growth. This inevitable expansion calls for the implementation of sustainable urban growth in the watershed. Related to this point, Wu (2010) argues that “If the creation of cities is one of the most remarkable human achievements to date, developing sustainable cities may well be the grandest challenge to humans ahead. No recipe is available, but it seems certain that science needs to play an instrumental role in this endeavor” (para. 7). We stand at a historic crossroads where developing effective sustainable methods related to urban sprawl and related processes is critical; this study is dedicated to the pursuit of this essential
An observation of the change in urban areas from 1989 to 2016 in this figure shows that much urban sprawl has occurred throughout the watershed during this timeframe. Figure 3 supports the above claim, displaying much non-urban to urban landscape change from 1989 to 2016. In this figure, yellow represents urban areas with no change, red represents a change from non-urban to urban, and green displays non-urban areas that did not change—referring to landscape change from 1989 to 2016. In brief, both figures display land cover change in the D’Olive Creek Watershed, with specific emphasis on urban sprawl. A thorough evaluation of these figures shows a clear increase in urban sprawl in the …show more content…
Although related issues—sedimentation, erosion, and pollution—are well known in the literature, the area continues to show signs of urban growth. This inevitable expansion calls for the implementation of sustainable urban growth in the watershed. Related to this point, Wu (2010) argues that “If the creation of cities is one of the most remarkable human achievements to date, developing sustainable cities may well be the grandest challenge to humans ahead. No recipe is available, but it seems certain that science needs to play an instrumental role in this endeavor” (para. 7). We stand at a historic crossroads where developing effective sustainable methods related to urban sprawl and related processes is critical; this study is dedicated to the pursuit of this essential