Settlement Studies Definitions and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is the population size threshold that differentiates urban settlements from rural ones?

Urban settlements have a population size of more than 10,000, while rural settlements have less than 10,000.

How does the infrastructure in urban areas compare to that in rural areas?

Urban areas have advanced and varied infrastructure, whereas rural areas typically have limited and poorer infrastructure.

List two functions that are more prevalent in urban settlements than in rural settlements.

Urban settlements have a wider range of functions such as shopping and administrative services.

What types of services are generally more available in urban areas compared to rural areas?

Urban areas offer a wide variety of high order services, while rural areas primarily provide limited low order services. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the dispersed settlement pattern.

In a dispersed settlement pattern, individual buildings are spread apart over a wide area. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a linear or ribbon settlement pattern?

A linear or ribbon settlement pattern is characterized by buildings that grow in a line, often following a road or river. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleated settlement pattern?

A nucleated settlement pattern is when houses are built closely together, often around a central village green or church. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a settlement?

A settlement is a place where people live. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'site' in settlement studies.

The 'site' refers to the actual physical location where a village or town develops. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'situation' refer to in the context of settlements?

Situation refers to the location of a settlement in relation to its surrounding areas. Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'threshold population'.

Threshold population is the minimum number of people needed to support a particular service or function. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'urban sprawl'?

Urban sprawl refers to the expansion of urban areas into the rural-urban fringe. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two key factors that influenced the choice of sites for early settlements.

High lands for protection and nearness to a water source are key factors in site selection. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a conurbation?

A conurbation is formed when two or more towns or cities join together. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a town and a city in the UK?

A town is typically a settlement of over 10,000 people, while a town becomes a city when it has a cathedral. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Settlements Studies - Definitions

Settlement: A place where people live.
Site: The actual location where a village or town develops, e.g., a river bend, hilltop, flat land.
Situation: The location of a settlement in relation to the surrounding area, e.g., near a bridge, on a main route.
Threshold population: The minimum number of people needed to support a specific function or service.
Range: The maximum distance people are willing to travel for a service or good.
Function: The main purpose of a town or part of a town, e.g., residential, industrial, commercial.
Urban sprawl: The expansion of an urban area into surrounding rural areas.
Rural-urban fringe: The area where urban and rural land meet.
Settlement hierarchy: A system of arranging settlements based on population size or other criteria.

Settlements Studies - Types of Settlements

Rural: Settlements located outside urban areas.
- Isolated Building: A single building, often a farmhouse.
- Hamlet: A small group of houses (around 5-10).
- Village: A settlement with a population up to 10,000.
Urban: Settlements with a population larger than 10,000.
- Town: A settlement larger than a village but not yet designated a city.
- City: A large town, often with a cathedral or other notable feature, designated as a city in the UK for instance.
- Conurbation: Two or more towns or cities that have merged together.
- Megapolis: A very large urban area including several cities and towns.

Settlements Studies - Settlement Choice

Early Settlement Factors:
- High Land: For defense/protection.
- Water Source: For drinking and water supply.
- Building Materials: Rocks, trees, etc.
- Wood: For building and fuel.
- Flatland: For building and agriculture.
- Fertile Soil: For farming.
- Flood Safety: To avoid flooding.
- Access: To other places.

Settlements Studies - Rural vs. Urban Settlements

Rural:
- Size: Population less than 10,000.
- Size: Limited, small.
- Infrastructure: Limited, possibly poor.
- Functions: Primarily agriculture, farming, forestry, possibly tourism.
- Services: Limited, low-order; everyday goods and services.
Urban:
- Size: Population greater than 10,000.
- Size: Larger, extensive.
- Infrastructure: Advanced, varied.
- Functions: Wide range of functions, including shopping, education, transport, administration, residential.
- Services: Wide variety, high-order; expensive, less frequent goods and services.

Settlements Studies - Settlement Patterns

Dispersed: Individual buildings spread apart.
Linear/Ribbon: Settlements arranged along a line (e.g., road, river, coast).
Nucleated: Buildings clustered closely together around a central point (e.g., village green).

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Description

This quiz covers fundamental definitions and types of settlements, exploring concepts like site, situation, and settlement hierarchy. It also delves into rural and urban settlements, allowing for a deeper understanding of geographic and societal patterns. Perfect for geography enthusiasts and students alike.