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Urban Sprawl (i) Explain two causes of urban sprawl in any city that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2012
Question B
Urban Sprawl (i) Explain two causes of urban sprawl in any city that you have studied. (ii) Explain two problems caused by this urban sprawl.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Urban Sprawl (i) Explain two causes of urban sprawl in any city that you have studied - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2012
Step 1
Explain two causes of urban sprawl in any city that you have studied.
Answer
Urban sprawl refers to the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. In studying Los Angeles, two significant causes of urban sprawl can be identified:
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Population Growth: The continuous influx of people seeking better employment and living conditions leads to increased demand for housing. As the population grows, city boundaries expand to accommodate the needs of new residents, resulting in sprawl.
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Transportation Infrastructure: The development of highways and public transit systems has facilitated easier access to suburban areas. This has encouraged families to move away from the urban core, promoting the spread of residential areas into previously undeveloped land.
Step 2
Explain two problems caused by this urban sprawl.
Answer
The expansion of urban areas, such as seen in Los Angeles, gives rise to several significant problems:
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Environmental Degradation: Urban sprawl results in the loss of natural habitats and green spaces. As cities expand into rural areas, vital ecosystems are disrupted, leading to biodiversity loss and increased pollution.
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Traffic Congestion: As more people move to the suburbs and commuters travel longer distances to work, road congestion becomes a major issue. Increased traffic not only causes delays but also contributes to higher emissions and reduced air quality.