What is urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land. This phenomenon typically occurs when a city experiences population growth and economic development, leading to a spread of residential, commercial, and industrial areas beyond the original city boundaries.

As cities expand outward, they often consume open space, farmland, and natural habitats, creating challenges such as increased traffic congestion, pollution, and strain on infrastructure and services. Urban sprawl is characterized by low-density development patterns, where neighborhoods are often disconnected from each other, making public transport less viable and increasing reliance on cars.

In contrast, compact development and the growth of dense urban areas focus on making the most efficient use of land within existing urban boundaries, which can help reduce the negative impacts associated with sprawl. Revitalization of historic city centers entails enhancing and rejuvenating dense urban areas that are already developed, rather than spreading into rural regions. Thus, the correct answer highlights a significant urban issue related to growth patterns and sustainability challenges faced by expanding cities.