Impact of Geography on Population Module 3 Lesson 2

Impact of Geography on Population Module 3 Lesson 2

Summary: / World Geography, Module 3, Lesson 2 - Given a regional population density map and a regional physical map, students will compare the physical features in areas of high/low population density and will draw conclusions about the relationship between population distribution and physical geography.
Focus: Population Distribution - Where We Live

1. Watch the following video that outlines the world's most populated cities. Pay attention to the similarities and differences of the cities shown.

http://youtu.be/NFKQtMNqJuc

Source: Top 10 World's Largest Cities, TheDailyConversation, You Tube

Now that you have looked at some of the world's cities, let's take a look at some other places on earth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=H5BpGle7vH0

Source: The Best Nature Places in the World, SAKISCLX, You Tube

Answer the following questions based on the videos and your own experiences:

1. Why do some cities have a larger population than others?

2. Why do people choose to live where they do?

3. What factors cause some areas to be crowded, while other areas are unpopulated?

4. Think about where you live; have you always lived in the same location or did you move from another location?

5. What factors were the causes of you moving or staying in the same place?

People settle in different places for different reasons. In this lesson you will explore the relationship between physical geography and settlement patterns.

Vocabulary - A Closer Look

Analyze the United States Population Distribution map below. A population distribution map illustrates how the population is spread out (distributed) within an area. Most population distribution maps use a color scale to illustrate the distribution of a population.

(Notice the areas where the red is darkest represent counties with more people, so there is a higher population in these counties. The lighter red and white areas represent counties with a lower population, so fewer people reside there. )

United States Population Distribution (by counties)

This is a U S Population distribution map that is divided by counties

Source: United States Population Distribution, Travel Bug

Check Your Understanding: Answer the following questions to make sure that you understand settlement patterns.

True or False: The western half of the United States is more populated than the eastern half.

A. True
B. False

Incorrect! According to the map the eastern half of the United States shows more pink & red areas which should tell you there are more people living there.

Correct! Looking at the pink and red areas the map shows far more people living in the eastern half of the United States than in the western half.

True or False: The largest clusters of dark red, indicating high populations, are mainly near the coastlines major water bodies.

A. True
B. False

POPULATION DENSITY is a measurement of the population. It is determined by how many people live within a square mile. This measurement helps us determine over-crowdedness or low population in a given area.

This is a map of the Population Density by state of the United States Arrows are pointing to Nevada lightest blue California dark blue Arizona medium blue Texas medium blue Alaska lightest blue and Florida dark blue Source: United States Population Density (by state), Wikimedia

Looking at this map, the color scale is used to represent the population density of each state. The lightest blue shades represent states with low population density, while the darkest blue shaded states have high population density.

(Important to note: Looking at California for example, not every city in the state is going to have high population density. California has many large cities, and small towns. This map shows the average throughout the state.)

Population density is important to understand because it helps people in our society make informed decisions about our world. Governments make decisions about funding, constructing new highways, or building schools based upon how many people live in a given area. Businesses also use this information to determine where to locate their businesses and to determine where there customers and employees live.

1. Which state is, on average, the most densely populated?

A. Florida
B. Alaska
C. Texas
D. Nevada

1. Which state is, on average, the most densely populated?

A. Florida
B. Alaska
C. Texas
D. Nevada

Sources of images used in this section:

Grant Park Panorama at Sunset, Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, Chicago, K. Scott Jackson, U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior
Reflections on Cordova, Alaska, John Cruisus, U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior
Burmese Python and an Alligator in South Florida, Everglades National Park, Lori Oberhorfer, U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior
Swimming Hole at Palmyra National Wildlife Refuge, Kevin Lafferty, U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior
A fire burning over the wetlands in Duson, Louisiana, Dustin Rozell, U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the Interior

Physical Geography, Population Distribution & Settlement Patterns How Do They Work Together?

Compare the population distribution map to the physical map below it. Then answer the activity questions that follow.

United States Population Distribution

This is a U S Population distribution map that is divided by counties There is an arrow pointing at medium shaded county in western United States This shade represents 13 22 thousand people Source: United States Population Distribution, Travel Bug

Physical Map of North America

This is a physical map of the United States with insets of Hawaii and Alaska It represents the physical aspects of the United States such as mountains deserts and rivers

Source: Physical Map of North America, Wordpress

Check Your Understanding: Compare the population distribution and physical maps of the United States. Choose the best possible answer to the question below.

Why is there such a low population in the area of the western United States around the black arrow (on the population distribution map)?

A. The area is not near a major water body.
B. The area is good for farming.
C. The area is mountainous.
D. The area is not good for farming.

You Decide - Population and Settlement of the Port Cities

Take a look at the areas on the U.S. population distribution map symbolized by the yellow stars. These cities have the three largest ports in the United States: New York City, Los Angeles, and Houston. Many people like to live near coastlines for the scenic beauty, weather, and activities, but also because port cities provide lots of economic activity, so lots of jobs are also a feature of these cities.

Click on each star below to find out more information about these port cities.

Write down any similarities and differences that you notice about the populations in these port cities.

Sources used in this section:

Map, United States Population Distribution
Photo, Port of Los Angeles, http://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2010_releases/news_120910_Solar_Project.asp
Photo, Port of Houston, http://www.allianceportregion.com/portofhouston/portofhouston.aspx
Photo, Port of New York, http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/waterfront/20060313/18/1787

Physical Geography, Settlement Patterns & Natural Disasters

People in areas that can expect and predict natural disasters adapt in different ways.

Here are a few examples:

· If they can afford it, people buy insurance to help when property is damaged or lost.

· Evacuation plans are necessary in some areas, such as coastal regions prone to hurricanes.

· Schools hold emergency drills to prepare students in the event that disaster strikes during the school day.

· Keeping informed about weather conditions by local television and radio helps to prepare and keep the public aware of emergency procedures.

There are cases, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when the disaster is so devastating that the population of an area shrinks. The population may not return to the numbers present before a disaster for various reasons; some examples include:

· Jobs may not exist due to damage and loss.

· The loss of home, family, and friends may be too emotionally difficult to recover.

· The environment may be unsafe for a time.

· Rebuilding may take time, and may be too expensive.

Settlement Patterns - You Decide

Imagine that your family has to move and you found out that it is near one of the areas shown in the FEMA photo-journey, which is prone to natural disasters. Since you have learned all about physical geography, you are in charge of planning for such an event.

Physical Geography of China

Now it is time to put what you've learned to work.

Below is a population density map of China, the most populated country in the world. Scroll over the button to view a physical map of China, and then compare it to the population density map. Drag each letter below to the location on the map that fits its description.

Interactive popup. Assistance may be required.

HINTS: Compare where the population is the highest (clusters of red dots) to the physical landscape in that same area.
The darker areas on the physical geography map represent mountainous regions.