(a) With the aid of appropriate diagrams, describe the distinguishing characteristics of any three types of urban settlements (b) Discs any four problems of...

As shown in the diagram above, urban settlements may grow from a single large built-up area into joined towns and, eventually, into a very extensive chain of cities.

(a) Distinguishing characteristics of three types of urban settlements

1. City
A city is a large, densely populated urban settlement with many buildings, roads and specialised services. It is usually larger and more important than a town. A city has a concentration of administrative offices, industries, markets, banks, schools, hospitals, transport terminals and recreational facilities. It serves not only its residents but also people in the surrounding rural areas. In the diagram, it is represented as one main continuous built-up urban area.

2. Conurbation
A conurbation is formed when two or more neighbouring towns or cities expand outward until their built-up areas meet and merge. Although they become physically joined into one continuous urban area, the original settlements may still retain their separate names, local governments and identities. The diagram illustrates this by showing adjoining urban centres whose growth has removed the open space between them.

3. Megalopolis
A megalopolis is a very large urban region formed when several cities and conurbations grow and link together along major transport routes. It covers a wide area and contains a very large population, numerous industries, commercial centres and communication networks. Unlike a conurbation, which normally involves a few adjoining towns, a megalopolis consists of many large urban centres forming an extensive urban belt, as indicated in the diagram.

(b) Four problems of urbanization

1. Housing shortage and slum development: Rapid population increase often exceeds the supply of decent houses. Many low-income migrants therefore live in overcrowded houses, informal settlements and slums with poor sanitation and unsafe buildings.
2. Unemployment and underemployment: Cities attract many people seeking paid work, but jobs may not be sufficient for all. This leads to unemployment, low-paid casual work, street hawking and, in some cases, increased crime and social unrest.
3. Pressure on social amenities: Schools, hospitals, water supply, electricity, drainage, waste-disposal facilities and recreation centres become overstretched. The result may be poor health care, inadequate classrooms, irregular water supply and poor refuse collection.
4. Traffic congestion and transport problems: The large number of people, vehicles and commercial activities causes congestion on urban roads. This results in long travelling times, accidents, noise, air pollution and higher transport costs.