Why is this? In part we can attribute it to the physical properties of water. A sheet of water is an infinite series of interconnected molecules. Water not only "finds its way." It does so as part of a mass flow of molecules. Water collects in sheets on pavement and other non-absorptive surfaces. Once it overflows whatever bounds exist it moves with force.
The more paved surfaces the more force. The more water gathers the more it finds a way to move to another level. "Controlling" water is almost impossible. And the more water you want to control the greater the cost and the harder it is to accomplish. Are there any ways in the built environment to ameliorate the detrimental effects of water?
So-called green roofs are one attempt to "soften" the paved landscape. I've discussed in other posts how they're a not-always-reliable solution. The planning, infrastructure, and maintenance that is needed for green roofs is not an easy thing to accomplish. And the biology of green roofs is still poorly understood. How do we plan for the inevitable change in plant species that occurs on green roofs?
Maybe one way to ameliorate urban flooding is to promote more green spaces in our cities. This can be accomplished through something as simple as individual gardens. In our crowded old neighborhood in the heart of Boston, simple gardens show us the contrast between paved and unpaved when it comes to urban drainage. Asphalt, brick, and concrete surfaces collect water, which moves uncontrollably to places we may not want it. The varied contours and rich variety of a growing garden absorb, store, and ameliorate water. They change water into a resource instead of a nuisance.
I would relate this post to the first point listed because it is apparent that the water in the pictures finds its way to exist and interact within the city and since the water finds its way to live in the city it also brings about many positive aspects such as more plants and green areas to urban life
ReplyDeleteThis post aligns with urban ecological frameworks #s 1 and 5. This post is about the currently unavoidable pavement runoffs in urban landscapes and possible solutions to the problem of flooding. The discussion of possible solutions to this problem (green roofs, individual gardens) shows how complex and quick to change urban environments really are.
ReplyDeleteThis post is most closely related to point number one. There are different animals, plants, and organisms spread out around the city. However, there really isn't enough of a balance between the living and non-living parts of the city. This drainage problem could be easily solved if there was less brick, concrete, and asphalt, and more individual greens/gardens.
ReplyDeleteThis article highlights what you said in our lab post regarding the complexity of cities and the diversity of environments that change over time due to a plethora of different circumstances and environmental alterations. Because of water run-off in urban environments, we need to increase the amount of green space (or self-made gardens)
ReplyDeletein order to 'soften' the landscape.
This post really relates to the first point about the ecology of soil and bodies of water. Boston is built right on top of water and is surrounded by tons of water and the system that drain the water and control it help to keep Boston innovative and green although there is still much to be done.
ReplyDeleteIsabel Vera
ReplyDeleteThe problem with urban drainage problems in cities highlights the importance of the second approach to urban ecology. The pavement that is essential and ubiquitous in the city creates a runoff problem that city dwellers must deal with. The reference to “green roofs” sheds light on the importance of the human ecologies of technology and construction that are unique to cities and impact them greatly.
Humans undoubtedly have a huge impact on the environment and therefore have a responsibility to ensure its stability. In your first point, you state that natural forces "penetrate the walls of a city" and interact with us daily. This could not be more true, and we must contain these forces so that they do not put us in danger.
ReplyDeleteThis article relates with the fourth point which deals with the complexity of ecological systems. Oklahoma is a state where people have to adapt to their environment. It is a shame that the city was unable to put in the necessary support systems in place. This is a good example of when nature trumps our city's ecology.
ReplyDeleteThis post relates to point 1 because in the city it is not the easiest to control water. The city is covered by roads and cement side walks with minimal space for water to drain. This creates flooding as seen in the pictures in this post.
ReplyDeleteI would relate this article to the first point. The Article uses water as an example of nature interacting with our environment. Cities need to be prepared for the inevitable challenges that nature will throw their way. Flooding is only one of many natural phenomena that can cause serious damage to a city.
ReplyDeleteThe post relates to points #1 and #5 the most. The first point relates because the post discusses water, plants, and soil and how each relates to the environment. The fifth point relates because the problem of water drainage is changing the environment, and must be dealt with in a new way. This shows a city that must change over time.
ReplyDeleteThis post relates to framework 2 because it talks about how urban places can impact an environment and in the post you mention that by slowing down the building urban areas and leaving some green space we can positively impact the environment.
ReplyDeleteThis post relates to your first point which highlights the ecology of other living organisms in the built environment of cities. Paved roads and sidewalks covers this ecology using concrete and other materials. An efficient system to drain the water and and keep Boston a green city will help with other environmental resources in the city.
ReplyDeleteI found this post interesting because I had no idea why flooding occurred in urban environments. I also found it interesting that plants and greenery could provide a solution to the flooding problem. Pretty ironic.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the point (framework 1) where you mention that ecology, bodies of water, interact with the urban environment. No matter how unnatural a city might seem, nature will always find a way to interact with it.
ReplyDeleteIn many urban environments it is common to find more pavement than green areas. This post can relate the closest to number one because it shows the difficulty in trying to control the water that we are surrounded by here in Boston.
ReplyDeleteThis post reminds me of point number one and how the environment penetrates our Urban ecology
ReplyDeleteurban drainage is a huge problem. I remember reading an article a couple years ago about how some people were using beats instead of all the salts and chemicals to help melt the ice. I dont know how well it worked, it just shows how desperate we are for a more natural way to cure this problem. in my opinion, we should go back to dirt roads.
ReplyDeleteI think that this post aligns most with the first and second levels of ecology. The importance of the flow of water is affected by the urbanization of many locations. This article discusses the affect that pavement has on the flow of water. Water in an urban setting can be seen as a way of keeping the total change from natural setting to city-life. Perhaps the Charles River settled in the heart of Boston serves as a symbolic reminder of nature being preserved in the city setting. The article explains that the production and additions of pavement throughout the city affect the flow of water which plays a major in the urban ecology transformation.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent example of promoting urban sustainability! Not only urban gardens contribute to the aesthetics of an ecology, depending on what is planted there they can also contribute to improving food supply and eradicating food deserts throughout cities. For example, Boston has a number of areas that don't see a healthy supply of fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables. Implementing these sustainable urban gardens can potentially help people have healthier diets as well has help the environment produce better air quality and a more attractive ecology.
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ReplyDeleteI really liked the comment about trying to "control" water, and the cost associated with it. I live about 35 miles NE of the California Aqueduct. This is the aqueduct that carries water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir near Yosemite all the way to LA. The aqueduct stretches 701 miles. Staggering when you think of the engineering and the cost to build
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to learning, (which I visualize as something with a flow), is the educative institution the surface and the students the water; or vice versa? How are we to design the surface so that the water/ learning process does not end up where we don't want to?
ReplyDeleteThere is a natural aspect to learning and one should sometimes let the flow take you where it wants to go!