(a)Define conurbation (b)Name one example each of conurbation in two different countries. (c)Outline four problems associated with conurbations. (d)Suggest ...

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(a) Definition of conurbation

A conurbation is a large, continuous built-up urban area formed when several once-separate towns and cities grow outward and merge into one another, so that their boundaries can no longer be clearly distinguished.

(b) One example of a conurbation in two different countries

• United Kingdom: Greater London (or the West Midlands conurbation around Birmingham).
• United States of America: the New York metropolitan conurbation (or Greater Los Angeles).

(Other acceptable examples: Greater Tokyo in Japan; the Ruhr conurbation in Germany.)

(c) Four problems associated with conurbations

• Overcrowding and shortage of housing, leading to slums and high rents.
• Traffic congestion on roads and pressure on transport.
• Environmental pollution (air, water and noise) and waste-disposal problems.
• Pressure on social amenities such as water, electricity, schools and hospitals.
• High crime rates and social vices.
• Unemployment and pressure on job opportunities.

(d) Four solutions to the problems

• Build more housing estates and satellite/new towns to reduce overcrowding.
• Improve and expand the transport system (mass transit, ring roads, flyovers) to ease congestion.
• Provide proper waste-disposal and pollution-control measures and enforce environmental laws.
• Expand and improve social amenities (water, power, schools, hospitals).
• Decentralise industries and administration to other regions to reduce migration into the conurbation.
• Improve security and create employment opportunities.