Here's a summary of the important points about settlement hierarchy:
Settlements: Places where people live, ranging from single homes to vast cities.
Settlement Hierarchy: A system geographers use to classify settlements based on size and the services
they provide.
Key Idea: Smaller settlements are more common (e.g., villages), while larger ones are less frequent (e.g.,
megacities).
Services: Larger settlements typically offer a wider range of services than smaller ones.
Terminology Variation: Names for settlement levels (town, city) can differ between countries.
Essentially, the settlement hierarchy helps us understand how settlements are organized by size and
function around the world.Here's a summary of the important points about settlement hierarchy:
Settlements: Places where people live, ranging from single homes to vast cities.
Settlement Hierarchy: A system geographers use to classify settlements based on size and the services
they provide.
Key Idea: Smaller settlements are more common (e.g., villages), while larger ones are less frequent (e.g.,
megacities).
Services: Larger settlements typically offer a wider range of services than smaller ones.
Terminology Variation: Names for settlement levels (town, city) can differ between countries.
Essentially, the settlement hierarchy helps us understand how settlements are organized by size and
function around the world.
Services:Summary of Settlement Hierarchy and Services:
Key Points:
Larger settlements offer more services: Cities provide a wider range of services compared to smaller
villages. This includes both essential "low-order" services (shops, pharmacies) and specialized
"high-order" services (leisure centers, hospitals).
Service dependence on population: High-order services, like department stores, require a larger
customer base to be profitable. So, they are only found in larger settlements with more people.
Service range and accessibility: The distance people are willing to travel for a service or product
determines its "range." Common goods like newspapers have a shorter range, leading to more small
shops selling them. Conversely, specialized items like washing machines have a larger range, requiring
fewer, larger stores.
In essence: Settlement size dictates the type and accessibility of services available. Larger settlements
act as hubs with a wider range of services catering to a larger population.
Megapolis:Megalopolises: Giants with a Twist
Key Points:
Megalopolis Definition: A megalopolis is a giant urban region where several large cities exist in close
proximity, but not fully merged into a single continuous urban area.
Rarity: True megalopolises are uncommon globally.
Examples (with a Twist):
Karachi, Pakistan: Though large enough for a megalopolis classification (over 16 million people), its
settlements are fully merged, making it a single large urban area (not a megalopolis).
Gauteng City Region, South Africa: This region includes major cities like Pretoria and Johannesburg, but
it functions more as a collection of cities rather than a true megalopolis (population 15.2 million).
Manila, Philippines: "Mega Manila" encompasses various conurbations across a large area of Luzon
Island (population nearly 14 million). However, the text suggests it might not be a true megalopolis due
to the distribution of these conurbations.
In short: Megalopolises are rare giants in the urban world, requiring large populations and a specific
clustering of major cities that remain somewhat distinct.
conurbation:Conurbations: Merging Cities
Key Points:
Conurbation Definition: A conurbation is a large, continuous urban and industrial area formed by the
merging of previously separate settlements due to population growth and expansion.
Merging Settlements: Individual cities or towns grow and physically connect, creating a single urban
sprawl.
Islamabad & Rawalpindi (Pakistan): This "twin city" example showcases a conurbation with a combined
population of nearly 3.5 million. Their centers are just 14 km apart, linked by major roads and railways.
Global Examples: Conurbations exist worldwide, including:
Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Germany (population: ~5.8 million) - Combines Frankfurt with surrounding towns.
Greater Boston, USA (population: ~4.8 million) - Includes Boston and Providence.
Favorable Conditions: Flat land and strong transportation networks (roads, railways) facilitate the sprawl
and merging of settlements into conurbation
What makes a place suitable for settlement?
Choosing a Place to Settle: Early Factors
Key Points:
Shift from Nomadic Life: The rise of agriculture led people to establish permanent settlements.
Essential Needs:
Land: Suitable for farming (crops or livestock).
Water: A reliable source of water for drinking and irrigation.
Shelter: Protection from harsh weather conditions.
Fuel and Building Materials: Wood for fires and construction.
Additional Considerations:
Security: Locations offering natural defenses like hilltops or islands were preferred to deter attackers
and protect valuables like livestock.
Accessibility: Valleys offered shelter, while mountain surroundings provided an extra layer of defense.
Overall: Early settlements were strategically located to meet basic needs for survival and security in the
transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a more permanent, agricultural society.
The main factors that influenced where an early settlement developed
were: Early Factors:

Water Source: Essential for survival, especially in dry regions (wet point).

Flood Protection: Avoiding low-lying areas prone to flooding (dry point).

Defense: Strategic locations like high ground, islands, or difficult terrain offered
protection (e.g., mountains, marshes).

Sun Exposure: Valleys facing the sun maximized warmth in colder climates (aspect).

Shelter: Protection from harsh weather like rain and strong winds.

Trade Routes: Settlements developed along natural trading routes like rivers, where
paths converged, or bridges were built. These became hubs for trade and travel.

Resource Access: Proximity to valuable resources like wood, minerals, or fertile land.
Later Considerations (as trade and industry grew):

Industrial Resources: Access to raw materials like coal, metals, and oil for
manufacturing.

Ports: Cities often emerged near natural harbors for overseas trade and transportation.

Transportation Infrastructure: Locations with good connections to land transport
networks (roads, railways) were preferred.

Attractive Setting: In recent times, aesthetics and pleasant landscapes have also become
factors in settlement location.
In essence: The deciding factors for settlement location have evolved over time. Early
settlements prioritized survival needs and defense, while later developments focused on trade,
industry, and efficient transportation. Today, a balance is often struck, considering practicality
and quality of life.
The functions of settlements: The Many Hats a Settlement Wears:
Function and Evolution
This passage highlights the concept of settlement function and how it can change over time. Here
are the key points:

Settlement Function: The primary economic activity and purpose of a settlement.

Early Stages: Settlements often begin with a single main function, like farming or
fishing.

Evolution over Time: As settlements grow and develop, they may take on additional
functions.
Building a Strong Economy:
The passage also touches on factors that contribute to a thriving national economy:

Focus on Exports: Manufacturing goods for export creates economic opportunities.

Investor Attraction: Strategies to attract investors are crucial for economic growth.
Key Ingredients for Success:
The text mentions several key ingredients for attracting investors and building a sustainable
economy:

Modern Infrastructure: Well-developed infrastructure like transportation networks is
essential.

Educated Workforce: A skilled and knowledgeable workforce is a valuable asset.

Technological Advancement: Embracing technological progress is vital for economic
competitiveness.

Market Access: Easy access to domestic and international markets is crucial.

Communication and Technology: Advanced communication systems are essential for
economic activity.
In a nutshell: Settlements evolve alongside their economies. Countries that invest in
infrastructure, education, technology, and market access create a more attractive environment for
economic growth and development.
Port: Key Points:

Karachi's Humble Beginnings: Once a small fishing village, Karachi has grown into a
major metropolis with a population exceeding 16 million (according to the 2017 census).

Rise of a Port City: The development of Keamari Port in the late 19th century played a
crucial role in Karachi's transformation.

Port Qasim's Advantages: Built in the 1970s, Port Qasim boasts several advantages:
o
Long navigation channel for safe passage of large ships.
o
Proximity to major shipping routes.
o
Excellent transport connections with railways, national highway, and Jinnah
International Airport.
Summary:
Karachi's story exemplifies how a settlement can evolve based on strategic location and
development. From its fishing village roots, Karachi capitalized on its access to the sea to
become a thriving port and industrial center. The well-equipped ports of Keamari and Port
Qasim, along with strong transportation links, continue to be key drivers of Karachi's economic
success.
Indrustrial Town: Khewra: A Town Built on Salt
This passage details the rise of Khewra, a town heavily influenced by the discovery and mining
of salt. Here are the key points:

Resource-Driven Development: Industrial towns often develop around the presence of
valuable resources like minerals.

Khewra's Salty Beginnings: Salt deposits were discovered in Khewra, Punjab, in
ancient times.

Mining Takes Off: Although salt was known about earlier, large-scale mining only
began in the 16th century CE.

Improved Infrastructure, Booming Town: Khewra's growth accelerated in the late
19th century due to improved transportation infrastructure (roads). The town thrived
alongside the expanding salt mining industry.

Modern Khewra: Today, Khewra Salt Mine is not only a major source of salt but also a
tourist attraction. The town's population has grown to over 34,000.
In short: Khewra's story exemplifies how the discovery and exploitation of a natural resource
(salt) can drive the development and growth of a town.
Nucleated OR cluster: The homes and other buildings are close
together around a centre. The centre could
be a marketplace, place of worship, where
two routes meet, a river crossing, or a
harbour.
Linear or ribbon
As homes and other buildings are built, the
settlement spreads along a valley, road,
railway, coast, or the banks of a
river.
Dispersed
Homes are quite far apart in their own useful situations—perhaps surrounded by
farmland or
forest.
Isolated
Single dwellings that are very far apart, sometimes because the land is not suitable for building on.
Planned settlements: Key Points:

Planned vs. Organic Growth: Unlike most settlements that develop naturally, planned
settlements are designed and built with a specific purpose in mind.

Efficient Use of Land: Planned settlements often utilize a grid pattern for roads,
maximizing land usage.

Diverse Purposes: Planned settlements can cater to various purposes:

o
New Capital Cities: Islamabad (Pakistan), Astana (Kazakhstan), Brasilia (Brazil)
are examples.
o
Industrial Towns: Port Sunlight (England, soap industry), Barhill (New Zealand,
sheep farm) were built for specific industries.
Historical Examples:
o
Indus Valley Civilization: Harappa, Lothal, and Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan
showcase some of the world's oldest planned settlements with well-organized grid
layouts, water supply systems, and drainage.
o
Ancient Greece: Miletus city plan (around 470 BCE) exemplifies planned
settlements in the ancient world.
Summary:
Planned settlements offer a stark contrast to settlements that develop organically. Designed with
specific goals in mind, they prioritize efficient land use and cater to diverse needs. From the
historical wonders of the Indus Valley to modern capital cities, planned settlements stand as
testaments to human ingenuity and organization.
Settlements for workers:
Key Points:

Purpose: Port Sunlight village, built in 1888 near Liverpool, England, was a planned
settlement specifically designed to house workers for a nearby soap factory.

Location: The flat marshy land offered space for both the factory and the village to grow.
Excellent transport links (railway, roads) were nearby.

Housing:

o
Originally built 800 houses for a population of 3,500.
o
Houses were good quality and affordable for workers, a stark contrast to the poor
housing conditions of the time (slums).
o
A mix of large and small houses aimed to create a sense of equality within the
village.
Amenities: Planned with the workers' well-being in mind, Port Sunlight offered various
facilities:
o
Educational opportunities (schools)
o
Leisure options (art gallery, concert hall, swimming pool)
o
Healthcare (hospital)
o
Spiritual needs (church)
Summary:
Port Sunlight stands as an example of a 19th-century planned settlement designed to improve the
lives of its working-class residents. It provided quality, affordable housing alongside essential
amenities and recreational facilities, creating a more holistic living environment for factory
workers compared to the typical slums of the era.

Impacts of settlements on land forms: Human Impact: This passage highlights
how human settlements significantly influence landforms, just as natural forces do.

Urban Geomorphology: This field of study focuses on the impact of human activities
like urbanization, agriculture, and industry on the natural landscape.expand_more

Growing Population, Growing Pressure: The ever-increasing human population puts
immense stress on land resources.expand_more

Impact on Earth Systems: Settlements can affect the Earth in various ways:
o
Habitat Loss and Biodiversity Decline: Deforestation to clear land for
settlements destroys habitats and reduces biodiversity.expand_more
o
Disrupted Ecosystems: Settlements can alter natural life cycles and the traits
species rely on for survival and reproduction.exclamation (e.g., birds changing
beak shapes to utilize bird feeders)expand_more
o
Disease Transmission: Densely populated areas can accelerate the spread of
diseases and epidemics.expand_more
o
Invasive Species: Travel and trade associated with settlements can lead to the
intentional or accidental introduction of invasive species that disrupt ecosystems
and outcompete native species. (e.g., invasive plants thriving along roads)
o
Urban Heat Islands: The use of asphalt in settlements increases regional
temperatures, creating urban heat islands.expand_more
o
Land Erosion and Soil Degradation: Pollutants from settlements carried by
rivers and streams can worsen land erosion and reduce soil quality.
o
Altered Water Cycles: Settlements can impact the water cycle within the
biosphere and atmosphere.expand_more
Summary:
The development of settlements, while crucial for human societies, has a significant impact on
the surrounding environment. From habitat loss to disrupted ecosystems and altered water cycles,
human settlements leave their mark on the land. Understanding these impacts is essential to
finding sustainable ways to develop settlements that minimize negative consequences for the
planet