A Thermodynamic Analysis of Urbanization

Abstract

This article deals with application of concepts in thermodynamics to the process of urbanization which is a global phenomenon. The disorder in urban environment due to high density of population is likened to the entropy concept of thermodynamics which is assumed to increase with population size. This introduces a check on urbanization and leads to a dynamic equilibrium between urban and rural population components. A discussion is provided on a few factors which may be monitored to control urbanization particularly in the less developed regions of the world.