What does the term 'Megalopolis' specifically refer to in urban studies?

The term 'Megalopolis' specifically refers to a composite of metropolitan areas, emphasizing the interconnectedness between major cities that have formed a continuous urban expanse. This concept often arises in discussions about urban sprawl and regional development, where separate metropolitan areas, which can include multiple cities and suburbs, grow closer together over time, eventually merging into a larger, cohesive urbanized region.

Megalopolises are characterized by their significant combined population and economic activities, often extending over dozens of kilometers. This concept captures the complexities of modern urbanization, where not only does the physical space unite, but social, economic, and infrastructural linkages create a network of communities.

Understanding this definition helps in grasping how urbanization trends can shape policies, infrastructure development, and environmental planning, providing a framework for analyzing metropolitan growth patterns in contemporary society.