Geography Unit 3, Chapter 2: Land Use Change

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of an extensive land use change?

Converting a forest into a shopping mall

Building a new highway through a meadow

Expanding agricultural fields into a grassland (correct)

Constructing a large dam on a river

Intensive land use changes are characterized by lower input of resources.

False (B)

What is the difference between land use change and land cover change?

Land use change refers to the alteration of the way we use land, such as converting a forest into an urban area or agricultural field. Land cover change, on the other hand, refers to the physical changes in the vegetation and other features on the land, such as the clearing of a forest for agricultural use, which results in a change in land cover.

Building a new highway through a forest is an example of a(n) ______ land use change.

intensive Signup and view all the answers

Match the following examples with their corresponding type of land use change:

Clearing a forest for urban development = Intensive Converting a fallow field into pasture = Extensive Building a new residential area = Intensive Expanding agricultural fields into a grassland = Extensive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical process directly involved in urban sprawl?

Clearing vegetation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Urban sprawl always results in positive environmental outcomes.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant impact of habitat fragmentation caused by urban sprawl?

Reduced biodiversity Signup and view all the answers

The transformation of natural ecosystems into urban areas is a process known as ______ change.

land cover Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Urban sprawl = The expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural areas Habitat fragmentation = The division of a large habitat into smaller, isolated patches Sustainability = Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines land use according to the UN FAO?

Human activities modifying land cover for specific purposes (B) Signup and view all the answers

Recreational areas, such as the Victorian Alps, fall under urban land use categories.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a cultivated land area.

Yarra Valley vineyards Signup and view all the answers

The land use category that focuses on preserving natural environments is called ______.

Nature Protection Signup and view all the answers

Match the following land use categories to their examples:

Nature Protection = Kakadu National Park Cultivated Lands = Yarra Valley vineyards Recreational Areas = Victorian Alps Mining Areas = Latrobe Valley, Gippsland Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 3, Chapter 2: Land Use Change

Change occurs at varying rates, times, and scales.
Change distribution can unevenly impact areas.
Understanding phenomena, investigates change processes and predicts future outcomes.

Distance

Absolute (Linear): Measured in physical units (e.g., meters, kilometers).
Relative: Considers factors like time, cost, convenience.
Psychological: People's perceived distance; familiarity impacts perception.

Process

Series of actions, contributing to change, preservation, or understanding phenomena.

Region

Definable area with common characteristics.
Scale can vary from local to global.
Used in geographic analysis and decision-making.

Scale

Map Scale: Relationship between map and ground.
Observational Scale: Local to global levels, influences actions.

Spatial Association

Measures similarity in distribution patterns of phenomena.
Strong association = similar distributions, weak association = little similarity.

Sustainability

Addresses environmental capacity to support life.
Involves studying environmental degradation and human actions for decision-making.
Interconnections exist between elements.

Unit 3, Chapter 3: Land Use Change in Urban Areas

Urban areas experience land use change due to population growth, resource needs, and development strategies.
Key concerns include urban sprawl, habitat fragmentation and sustainability.

Processes of Urban Land Use Change

Physical Processes: Clearing vegetation, earthworks, and construction.
Administrative Processes: Site assessments (transport, contamination, vegetation, zoning changes) are part of the process.

Impacts of Urban Land Use Change

Environmental: Habitat loss, waterway degradation, urban heat island effect (UHI).
Social: Lack of infrastructure in growth areas leads to isolation and poor living conditions.
Economic: Increased property values and development pressures.

Urban Sprawl in Melbourne

Driven by rapid population growth.
Western growth region has affordable land, but it often lacks infrastructure (transport, schools).
Infrastructure challenges and population demands lead to environmental and societal consequences.

Case Studies (Boronia Heights Secondary College and Cave Hill Limestone Quarry)

Illustrate site transformations, balanced planning, sustainable design, and large-scale urban renewal.

Unit 3, Chapter 4: Land Use Change in Rural Areas

Population growth, government policies, and economic development are drivers of change in rural areas.
Conflicts arise between rural land uses and urban expansion (e.g., salinity, waterlogging).

Case Study: Cardinia Shire

Exhibiting a mix of grazing, farming, and urban growth.
Issues include loss of farmland, biodiversity, and infrastructure pressures.
Management strategies involve protecting valuable conservation areas and encouraging compact urban designs.

Role of Geospatial Technologies

GIS and remote sensing tools are used for planning, monitoring, and assessing land use changes.
They assist in analyzing impacts and managing growth.

Land Use in Rural Areas: Drivers of Change

Urban expansion: Peri-urban fringes face pressure due to Melbourne's growth.
Economic pressures: Rising land values lead to rural areas becoming areas of urban investment.
Government Policies: Melbourne 2030 plan directs growth, impacting rural areas.

Land Use in Rural Areas: Issues and Impacts

Conflicting Uses: Issues like spray drift or theft impact both urban and rural areas.
Environmental Impacts: Urbanization leads to impacts such as soil degradation and the loss of prime agricultural land.

Cross-Chapter Themes

Sustainability: Land use balances human needs and environmental preservation.
Interconnections: Urban areas and rural areas have interconnected roles (food, materials, and population).

Future Directions

Climate Change adaptation involves farming practices and greenery integration in urban areas.
Land use transitions involves a conversion of rural areas to urban ones and vice versa.
Technological innovation includes advanced mapping technologies and GIS, with a focus on adaptation and strategic policy direction.

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Description

Explore the intricate factors influencing land use change in this quiz based on Geography Unit 3, Chapter 2. Understand different types of distance, processes that affect change, and the importance of spatial association. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact on various scales.