Patterns of Human Settlement
SS-EP-4.3.1 Students will describe patterns of human settlement in places and regions on the Earth’s surface.
A settlement pattern refers to the way that buildings and houses are distributed in a community. Settlement patterns show how a community has developed over time. There are many factors that influence human settlement. Originally, people built their homes together for: companionship, safety and to share services. Today many other factors influence settlement. Economics and human influences, physical influences, and technological influences.
A settlement pattern refers to the way that buildings and houses are distributed in a community. Settlement patterns show how a community has developed over time. There are many factors that influence human settlement. Originally, people built their homes together for: companionship, safety and to share services. Today many other factors influence settlement. Economics and human influences, physical influences, and technological influences.
The promise of money and security is one of the most important factors in human settlement. Today many people move to a new place for a new job, the hopes of more money and security. Many people from other countries move to America in hopes of employment and a more stable economy. All over the country and world people are moving from one place to another because of work.
The physical environment is another important factor. In an agricultural setting, the access to both water and transportation are essential to the settlement of an area. Also, things such as the safety and stability of the existing settlement is equally important. People move to be close to the ocean or a lake. Many people move away from mountainous regions because they do not hold many natural resources. Farming is scarce in the mountain region. Also it is hard to settle in a mountainous region because building houses can be difficult.
Technological factors also influence the settlement of an area. Transportation and communication effect the patterns of human settlements. With new technological advances moving from one place to another is easier than ever. Before modern transportation was available moving from one place to another was very difficult. With the invention of airplanes, cars, boats and trains moving became easier. Cellphones and other communication devices make it easier for us to move also. Being able to keep in touch through texting and face timing, make moving across the country seem like your moving down the street.