Settlements and Urbanization Flashcards
What are the reasons for settlements?
Climate: Most people prefer to live in a place with moderate temperatures and seasons. Very few people would choose to live in extreme climatic conditions such as extreme cold or heat.
Vegetation: This is an important factor to consider especially for food security. Can vegetation grow easily and abundantly, and can it grow all year round?
Natural Features: The natural features of a place determine a lot about the region. Areas close to the coast will attract a different population group than a mountainous region.
Resources: Access to resources is an important consideration. These resources can be defined differently by different age groups
Human Activities: Human activities such as access to universities, schools and jobs are the main driving factors that determine where people choose to live. Some regions are known for the kind of jobs that they offer such as mining areas and fishing towns.
What is the difference between rural and urban areas?
Rural refers to an area that has characteristics of a countryside.
Rural areas can be thought of as wide-open areas with very little infrastructure and resources.
The homes are generally very simple and well-spaced out with small subsistence farming happening. Very few people live in these areas. Very little transport options.
Urban refers to an area that has characteristics of a town or city.
Urban areas are cities with large building and access to lots of resources. There are also lots of transport options.
What is urbanisation and the effects of it?
Urbanisation is the increase of people living in towns and cities. People were attracted to urban areas and there were more job opportunities like working in the factories.
Threats of urbanisation: Rapid urban growth can lead to more poverty in the countryside and the local governments will be unable to provide services to all people.
Uncontrolled waste can create multiple health hazards.
Loss of urban tree cover.
Automobile exhaust and concentrated energy will produce more air pollution that will have a significant impact on human health and urban air.
Loss of animal habitat and food resources.
