Growth and Functions of Settlements

​Growth and Function of Settlements

IGCSE Geography​

​Lesson Objectives

• Describe the factors that influence the growth and functions of settlements.​

• ​Define accessibility

IGCSE Geography

Poll

Which area do you think can contain large settlements?

​Harsh environments cannot provide much food:

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• too cold, hot, wet, or dry have small isolated settlements​

​Edinburgh of the Seven Seas in Tristan da Cunha

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Considered as the world's most isolated settlement.​

​London

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Capital of the United Kingdom located in the River Thames​ with a population of over 9 million.

​When there is more food...

Other activities are favored. More​ skilled people emerged, such as builders, craftsmen, teachers, traders, administrators, etc.

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​Settlements favored areas with greater potential for growth, and for a wider range of services and functions.

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​New York

​Toronto

For example, Cairo​ served as meeting point of the African, Asian, and European trade routes.

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Royal family, government centre, and having a university linked with trade and industries such as food, drinks, and textiles.​

​Trade and Communication

​Paris and River Seine

​Johannesburg and Diamond mines

​Changing functions

Many settlements change its functions over time:

• Soufreire in St. Lucia

• Dormitory settlements

• Silicon Valley in California

• South Korea​

​Accessibility: the ease with which a place can be reached. An area with high accessibility will generally have a well-developed transport network and be centrally located.

Open Ended

Why do the functions of settlements change?

​EAL Activity c/o Ms. Jona