Overview of Urban Patterns and Process Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is urbanisation
increase in proportion of people living in towns and cities
How has urbanisation occurred in developed countries
- Most urbanisation took place in 19th century (agricultural and industrial revolution)
- Combination of new machinery in farms (replacing people) and better job opportunities in the cities
How has urbanisation occurred in emerging and developing countries
- Most growth taken place over last 50 years
- Due to rapid growth in population, there isn’t enough time to build sufficient houses (results in slums/shanty towns)
Why are cities in rural/emerging countries growing so fast
Natural Increase:
- birth rates higher than death rates
- migrants tend to be young adults so often yet to have children
Migration:
- push factors (lack of jobs, crop failures, harsh conditions)
- pull factors (better jobs, better services)
- cause rural-urban migration
What are the 4 factors that explain distribution of the UK population
Physical, Historical, Economic and Political
What are historical factors affecting distribution of the UK population
Industrial revolution led to rapid growth of factory towns (central scotland, north england, south wales)
What are economic factors affecting distribution of the UK population
UK economic growth focused on tertiary (transport, health, education) and quaternary industries (research and development)
These industries required space and access to good transport and communications
What are political factors affecting distribution of the UK’s population
London is base of UK government, and a world-class financial centre.
This encourages firms and people to move to or near the capital.
What are physical factors affecting distribution of UK population
Lowland areas are better for farming (rich soils, warmer climate) construction and transport (flatter, more stable terrain)
