Choose two of the following factors and describe their impact on human settlement and/or land use: deserts, mountain ranges, arid climate, rivers, valuable resources such as oil and gold, flat lands near sources of water, and unusual landforms such as natural stone arches and hoodoos
WRITE IT LIKE A 12 YEAR OLD BUT KEEP IT FORMAL
Deserts: Deserts are vast areas of land that receive very little rainfall and have extreme temperatures. Their impact on human settlement and land use is quite significant. Firstly, due to the lack of water and harsh conditions, deserts are often sparsely populated. People find it difficult to survive in these areas without having access to water sources. Therefore, most settlements in deserts are found near oases or along major rivers that flow through these regions. Land use in deserts is mainly limited to nomadic herding or pastoralism, where people rely on animals like camels and goats for their livelihood.
Mountain ranges: Mountain ranges have a great impact on human settlement and land use. These tall and rugged landforms can make it difficult for people to build settlements or travel easily. Mountain ranges act as natural barriers, separating different regions or countries. However, they also provide resources like minerals, wood, and fresh water. Many settlements are found in mountainous areas due to the availability of these resources. Mountains are also attractive for tourism, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other recreational activities.
Flat lands near sources of water: Flat lands near sources of water, such as rivers or lakes, have a significant impact on human settlement and land use. These areas provide fertile soils and ample water supply, which are essential for agriculture. Flat lands are easier to cultivate, build settlements, and transport goods. That's why many cities and towns are located near rivers or coastlines. These areas are also favorable for industries and transportation networks, as they provide suitable conditions for infrastructure development.
Valuable resources such as oil and gold: Valuable resources like oil and gold can greatly influence human settlement and land use. The discovery of these resources often leads to booming industries and economic growth. People move to these areas in search of better job opportunities, which leads to the establishment of towns and cities. Land use in such regions is often dominated by extraction and mining activities. However, it is also important to ensure responsible and sustainable management of these resources to prevent negative environmental consequences.
In conclusion, factors such as deserts, mountain ranges, flat lands near sources of water, and valuable resources like oil and gold have significant impacts on human settlement and land use. These factors determine where people choose to live, how they utilize the land, and what economic activities dominate in a particular area.