How can urban sprawl be defined?

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled and often unplanned expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land. This phenomenon typically occurs as cities grow outward, leading to the development of residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and other amenities that are not necessarily well-integrated into the existing urban infrastructure. It is characterized by low-density development, reliance on automobiles, and can result in increased traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and loss of agricultural land.

Additionally, urban sprawl can create challenges for local governments in terms of providing public services and transportation options, as the spread-out nature of these developments can make it difficult to serve the population effectively. Therefore, the key aspect of urban sprawl lies in its lack of control and planning, distinguishing it from more organized urban expansion efforts.