What is urban sprawl?

What is urban sprawl?

• A. Controlled urban growth
• B. The spread of urban development into rural areas
• C. An increase in agricultural land surrounding cities
• D. Population growth within established city boundaries

Answer: (B)

Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of urban areas into previously undeveloped or rural land, resulting in the spread of cities and towns. This phenomenon typically occurs as cities grow to accommodate increasing populations or economic activities, leading to the development of low-density residential housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure outside the traditional urban centers. The correct answer highlights the key aspect of urban sprawl—the transition from urban settings into rural environments, which can lead to various socio-economic and ecological impacts. This includes increased reliance on automobiles, loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, and challenges in providing public services efficiently. In contrast, controlled urban growth suggests a more planned and sustainable approach to urban development that prevents the chaotic, unregulated spread characteristic of sprawl. An increase in agricultural land surrounding cities does not directly relate to urban sprawl, as this option implies a preservation or enhancement of farming areas rather than urban development encroaching on those spaces. Lastly, population growth within established city boundaries refers to densification rather than expansion into rural areas, emphasizing an increase in the number of residents in a concentrated area rather than the outward spread of urban development.

Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of urban areas into previously undeveloped or rural land, resulting in the spread of cities and towns. This phenomenon typically occurs as cities grow to accommodate increasing populations or economic activities, leading to the development of low-density residential housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure outside the traditional urban centers.

The correct answer highlights the key aspect of urban sprawl—the transition from urban settings into rural environments, which can lead to various socio-economic and ecological impacts. This includes increased reliance on automobiles, loss of agricultural land, environmental degradation, and challenges in providing public services efficiently.

In contrast, controlled urban growth suggests a more planned and sustainable approach to urban development that prevents the chaotic, unregulated spread characteristic of sprawl. An increase in agricultural land surrounding cities does not directly relate to urban sprawl, as this option implies a preservation or enhancement of farming areas rather than urban development encroaching on those spaces. Lastly, population growth within established city boundaries refers to densification rather than expansion into rural areas, emphasizing an increase in the number of residents in a concentrated area rather than the outward spread of urban development.