Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2003AR54B

Impact of Urbanization on the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Infiltration

Institute: Arkansas
Year Established: 2003 Start Date: 2003-03-01 End Date: 2004-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $4,349 Total Non-Federal Funds: $8,699

Principal Investigators: Ralph K. Davis

Project Summary: Urbanization is a continuous, easily recognized process, especially in Northwest Arkansas. The effects, however, are not so easily recognized and sometimes are not noticed until irreversible damage is present in the watershed surrounding the urbanization. Urbanization and development not only change the visible landscape, but also change the underlying soil profile and characteristics such as soil density, soil moisture, and infiltration rates. Research completed in the upcoming months will quantify these changes that development can cause and provide guidance to minimize the effects of development.