What is a continuous urban area formed by the merging of several expanding cities called?

A continuous urban area formed by the merging of several expanding cities is referred to as a conurbation. This term is used to describe a region where multiple urban centers grow and unite due to population growth and urban expansion, resulting in a seamless urban landscape. Conurbations often exhibit interconnected infrastructure and economies, which can lead to shared services and a collective metropolitan identity.

In contrast, a metropolis generally describes a large city that serves as a central hub for cultural, economic, and political activities, but does not specifically imply the merging of multiple cities. Urban sprawl refers to the outward expansion of a city into suburban or rural areas, but it does not denote the merging of cities into one continuous area. A megacity typically denotes an exceptionally large city with a population of over ten million, focusing on the size rather than the merging characteristic of conurbations. Thus, identifying the correct term is crucial for understanding urban development dynamics.