What is urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled and often unplanned expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or undeveloped land. This phenomenon typically occurs when cities expand outward, leading to the development of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces beyond the established urban boundaries.

The key characteristics of urban sprawl include low-density development, reliance on automobiles for transportation, and often a lack of cohesive planning that ensures efficient infrastructure and services. This can result in various social, economic, and environmental issues, such as increased traffic congestion, loss of agricultural land, and greater energy consumption.

In contrast to the other options, which emphasize controlled or planned development, urban sprawl specifically highlights the lack of regulation and oversight in how urban areas expand. It focuses on the consequences of this unchecked growth, making it crucial for understanding the complexities of urban planning and development challenges in modern society.