โ™ป๏ธap environmental science review

Urban sprawl

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas. It often leads to low-density development with increased infrastructure demands and environmental impacts.