What surface change can increase heat absorption and evaporation rates?

The presence of more asphalt in urban areas significantly increases heat absorption due to its dark color and dense material properties. Asphalt has a low albedo, meaning it reflects very little sunlight, allowing it to absorb and retain heat from the sun. As a result, urban areas with extensive asphalt surfaces can experience higher temperatures, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. This increased heat corresponds with elevated evaporation rates, as warmer surfaces accelerate the process of water vaporization from any nearby water sources.

In contrast, increased forest cover typically enhances cooling through shade and transpiration, more water bodies can increase humidity but do not generally contribute to heat absorption in the same way, and less agricultural land may not directly impact heat absorption and evaporation rates to the extent that increased asphalt does. Thus, the introduction of more asphalt in urban settings is the most effective at raising heat absorption and evaporation rates, making this the correct choice.