A geographer analyzing satellite data notices that urban expansion has occurred in 35 distinct zones in 2020 and 105 distinct zones in 2024. What is the sum of the distinct prime factors of the total number of zones affected over the two years?

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:28:53 +0000

**A geographer analyzing satellite data notices that urban expansion has occurred in 35 distinct zones in 2020 and 105 distinct zones in 2024. What is the sum of the distinct prime factors of the total number of zones affected over the two years?** As satellite monitoring becomes more precise, growing interest surrounds rapid urban growth across the United States. Geographers tracking land use reveal a stark reality: urban development has reshaped 35 different zones in 2020, expanding to 105 distinct regions by 2024. This increase reflects evolving patterns in housing, infrastructure, and environmental adaptation—trends that resonate with urban planners, policymakers, and communities navigating growth. Understanding these shifts demands more than raw numbers: what lies beneath the surface? Why urban expansion matters now Satellite data offers unprecedented visibility into how cities spread across previously undeveloped land. The rise in distinct zones affected reflects not just population growth, but also evolving land policies, migration trends, and climate-driven displacement. From suburban sprawl to repurposed industrial corridors, these transformations influence transportation, housing affordability, and green space preservation. Public and professional attention grows as satellite insights illuminate real-world impacts at scale—driving informed conversations about sustainable development.