【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】此题属于语意搭配题。spring up = to come into being 意为“出现，涌现”，例如：Towns had sprung up in what was a dry desert．其他选项中的动词与句中的up 一词构成的短语不能修饰settlements，故只有选项[C]springing 正确。选项[A]come (up)=happen 意为“发生”；选项[D] rise (up) 意为“反抗”；选项[D]go (up) 意为“上涨，(建筑)被兴建”，例如：How many houses have gone up this year?