Unit 6 Topic 2

Question 1

What is a mega city? Name at least 2 examples.

Answer 1

A city that has more than 10 million people or residents
Often centers of economic, political, and cultural activity.
Examples: Tokyo, New York City, Mumbai, São Paulo

Question 2

What is a metacity? Name at least three examples.

Answer 2

A city that has more than 20 million people or residents
-Urban centers that are vital in the global economy
-Connected to other global cities through economic, cultural, and political linkages
-Often have a significant influence on global trends and issues.
Examples: Paris, Hong Kong, London, Singapore, Dubai

Question 3

What are some traits mega and meta cities share?

Answer 3

High levels of population density, diversity, and economic activity
Vulnerable to environmental, social, and economic challenges. Pollution, inequality, and negative impacts of globalization.

Question 4

What is suburbanization?

Answer 4

The process of population growth and development in suburban areas, which are typically located on the outskirts of urban centers.

Question 5

What is urban sprawl?

Answer 5

The spread of low-density, car-dependent development over a wide area, often resulting in the conversion of farmland and natural areas into suburban developments.

Question 6

What are factors of suburbanization and urban sprawl?

Answer 6

Population growth - demand for housing + development
Transportation - easier to work + live in suburban
Land use policies - policies that encourage/discourage certain types of development
Economic factors - availability of land and housing

Question 7

What are some impacts of suburbanization and urban sprawl?

Answer 7

Can offer a sense of community (positive)
Loss of natural and agricultural lands (negative)
Air and water pollution; traffic congestion (negative)
Decline of an urban center (negative)

Question 8

What are four different statistical areas?

Answer 8

Metropolitan, micropolitan, core based statistical area (CBSA), primary statistical area (PSA)

Question 9

What is a metropolitan area? Give an example of

Answer 9

A region that includes a large city and its surrounding suburbs. This can include the country or town where the city is located. Usually greater than 50,000 people.
Example: New York City

Question 10

What is a micropolitan area? Give an example

Answer 10

A region that includes a smaller city and its surrounding towns and counties. The population is usually between 10,000 and 50,000 people.
Example: Helena, Monata.

Question 11

What is a CBSA? Give one example.

Answer 11

Core based statistical area
Can be either metropolitan or micropolitan. A region centered on an urban center that includes adjacent “commuter counties” that can be in other states, counties, etc.
Example: Atlanta, Georgia.

Question 12

What is a PSA? Give one example.

Answer 12

Primary statistical area.
Not centered in a metropolitan or micropolitan area. Typically smaller than an urban center with a population with at least 10,000 people.
Example: Redding, California

Question 13

What is urbanization?

Answer 13

The migration of people from rural areas to urban areas.

Question 14

What is a core country?

Answer 14

Countries that have industrialized and have the most advanced economies

Question 15

What is a semi-periphery country?

Answer 15

Countries that have emerging economies that are industrializing.

Question 16

What is a periphery country?

Answer 16

Countries that still rely heavily on the exportation of raw resources and are less economically developed.

Question 17

What is an informal settlement?

Answer 17

Housing and residential areas that have been built without legal authorization. They often lack basic infrastructure, services, and legal protection.

Question 18

What is a boomburb?

Answer 18

A rapidly growing suburban city that has developed its own unique identity

Question 19

What is an exurb?

Answer 19

A settlement that exists outside of a suburban area, but remains connected to the metropolitan area. These neighborhoods typically have a lower population density, larger lot sizes, and less good and services.

Question 20

What are edge cities?

Answer 20

A settlement that has its own economic district and is located on the outskirts of a city or is near a beltway or major highway. These neighborhoods often have a concentration of businesses, shopping centers, and different goods and services.

Question 21

What is urban decentralization?

Answer 21

The movement of a population away from an urban core to the outskirts of the city. This results in power and money shifting more to the peripheral areas.