What is urban sprawl?

Urban sprawl refers specifically to the expansion of urban areas into rural land, typically characterized by low-density development. This phenomenon often occurs when population growth in cities drives the need for more housing and facilities, leading to the development of suburbs or exurbs. As a result, people may move further away from city centers, seeking more space and a different lifestyle.

This type of development can lead to several issues, such as increased reliance on cars for transportation, loss of agricultural land, and environmental degradation. Factors contributing to urban sprawl include zoning laws that permit low-density residential development, transportation infrastructure that favors car travel, and the desire for larger homes with yards.

In contrast, the other options describe situations that do not capture the essence of urban sprawl. The growth of rural land areas into urban centers represents an opposite movement, while the decline of urban areas due to population movement can describe urban decay rather than sprawl. Lastly, the systematic reduction of urban infrastructure does not pertain to the expansion of urban areas and instead reflects deterioration rather than growth. Thus, the selected answer accurately encapsulates the nature of urban sprawl.