geo test 1 Flashcards
define population distribution
population distribution means the pattern of where people live
define population density
population density describes the average number of people living in a given area. It is calculated by dividing the total population by the area of the land
what are some factors that attract where people live
- flat land
- good communication
- employment
- fertile soil
- reliable water supply
- natural resources
what are some factors causing only few people living in that certain area
- steep relief
- infertile soil
- marshy land
- extremely cold climate
- arid climate
define urban area
a large built up area of land being used for housing
define rural area
a small settlement in the country side
what is a nucleated settlement
a settlement made up of cluster of buildings, usually around the central point, such as crossroads. Many have developed in lowland areas where land is fertile.
what is a linear settlement
a long and thin settlement. These develop along a road or a river valley or in an area where flat land is limited.
what is a dispersed settlement
settlements such as farms and isolated Buildings, are scattered across the countryside found in upland areas. Dispersed areas are often found in upland areas where settlement is difficult
how are rural settlements determined
- water supply: water from springs, streams, rivers and wells was essential fro human survival and farming, though areas likely to flood regularly were avoided
- relief: flat or gently sloping land was easier to build on and to farm
- soils: fertile, well-drained soils were important so large amounts of crops could be grown
- shelter: areas such as valleys which were important so large amounts of crops could be grown
- defence: threats from enemies resulted in settlements being built that were easy to defend
what are the functions of urban settlements
the function of a settlement is its main economic activity or purpose. Most urban areas started as small settlements, growing in size and changing their functions over the years. Large towns and cities developed in areas where resources were available for the growth of industry and where natural route ways and rivers met. This enabled the development of roads, railways and canals
what is a settlement hierarchy
a settlement hierarchy shows how settlements in any area can be put in order based on their size or the services that they provide. Higher up the hierarchy the population size and number of services in the settlement increases, although in any area there are fewer large settlements.
what is the sphere of influence
the power or influence that one group, such as a country, has in a foreign territory
what are urban zones
Have a complex and hierarchical structure of land use, with different zones for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and administrative function
what does CBD stand for
central business district
