The Size and Distribution of Cities - AP Human Geography
- What is the Rank-Size Rule in urban geography?
- The nth largest city is 1/n the size of the largest city. Mathematical relationship where city size decreases proportionally with rank.
- What is a 'village' in urban hierarchy?
- A small community larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. Basic services like school, church, and general store.
- What is the significance of 'urban density'?
- Measure of population per unit area in urban regions. Indicates concentration levels affecting infrastructure and quality of life.
- Define the term 'primate city'.
- A city more than twice the size of the next largest city. Demonstrates urban primacy when one city dominates a country's urban system.
- What is 'exurbia'?
- Regions beyond the suburbs with a rural character. Low-density areas beyond traditional suburban boundaries.
- What is the primary characteristic of 'urban agglomeration'?
- Cluster of cities forming a continuous urban area. Creates economies of scale and shared infrastructure benefits.
- What is the primary characteristic of a 'megacity'?
- A city with over 10 million inhabitants. Population threshold that defines the world's largest urban centers.
- What does 'gentrification' imply?
- Revitalizing urban areas, often displacing lower-income residents. Process that can improve areas but create displacement issues.
- Define 'urban hierarchy'.
- A ranking of cities based on size and services. System organizing settlements by population size and function level.
- What defines a 'megalopolis'?
- A chain of roughly adjacent metropolitan areas. Large-scale urbanization creating continuous metropolitan regions.
- What is the Multiple Nuclei Model's key concept?
- Cities have multiple centers for different activities. Harris-Ullman model reflects modern cities' decentralized structure.
- What is the 'urban heat island' effect?
- Urban areas being warmer than their rural surroundings. Caused by concrete, reduced vegetation, and human activities.
- Identify the main purpose of urban models.
- To explain the spatial organization of cities. Models predict patterns of land use, growth, and development.
- What is a 'conurbation'?
- An extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns merging. Result of urban growth and regional economic integration.
- What is a 'metropolis' in the urban hierarchy?
- A large city that is a significant economic and cultural center. Regional dominance with specialized services and major institutions.
- Define 'urban renewal'.
- Redevelopment of areas within a city. Government-led efforts to improve deteriorating urban districts.
- What does 'urban morphology' study?
- The layout and structure of cities. Analyzes physical form and spatial organization of cities.
- What does the Central Place Theory explain?
- Distribution of services in urban areas. Walter Christaller's theory predicting optimal location and hierarchy of services.
- What is an 'edge city'?
- Suburban development with the characteristics of a city. Developed outside traditional downtown areas, typically near highways.
- What is the main focus of the Burgess Concentric Zone Model?
- Urban land use in concentric rings. Burgess model shows zones expanding outward from city center.
- What is a 'satellite city'?
- A smaller city near a larger metropolitan area. Depends on larger city for employment and services.
- What is a 'hamlet' in urban hierarchy?
- A small settlement, often smaller than a village. Smallest settlement type with minimal services available.
- What is 'urban decay'?
- Deterioration of urban areas due to neglect. Economic decline leading to abandonment and infrastructure problems.
- Identify the primary focus of the Hoyt Sector Model.
- Urban land use in sectors radiating from the CBD. Hoyt's model emphasizes transportation corridors shaping development.
- What is a 'world city'?
- A city that is a global economic and cultural hub. Connects global networks of finance, politics, and culture.
- What is the core concept of the Galactic City Model?
- Suburban areas connected by ring roads. Reflects post-industrial urban form with multiple commercial centers.
- What does 'range' mean in Central Place Theory?
- Maximum distance consumers will travel for a service. Determines the market area boundary for central place services.
- What is the central business district (CBD)?
- The commercial and business center of a city. Highest land values and building density in urban areas.
- What is the primary feature of a 'metropolitan area'?
- A region with a densely populated urban core. Includes central city plus surrounding suburbs and communities.
- Define 'urban fringe'.
- Transition zone where urban and rural areas meet. Mixed land use area experiencing urban pressure and change.
- What is a 'gateway city'?
- A city that acts as a port of entry and distribution center. Strategic location for trade and transportation networks.
- Identify the primary function of zoning laws.
- Regulate land use within urban areas. Legal tools separating incompatible land uses for order.
- Define 'urban sprawl'.
- Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas. Low-density development consuming large amounts of land.
- What characterizes a 'town' in urban hierarchy?
- A larger settlement than a village, often with more services. More specialized services including government and retail functions.
- Define 'urban ecology'.
- Study of the relationship between urban environments and their inhabitants. Examines interactions between built environment and social systems.
- What is the threshold in Central Place Theory?
- Minimum population needed to support a service. Critical mass of customers required for a business to be profitable.
- What is 'squatter settlement'?
- Informal housing lacking legal property rights. Common in developing countries due to housing shortages.
- What does 'urbanization' refer to?
- Increase in the population living in urban areas. Global trend toward city growth and rural-to-urban migration.
- Define 'city' in the context of urban hierarchy.
- A large and permanent settlement with significant services. Complex service structure serving large regional populations.
- What is the main goal of smart growth policies?
- Control urban sprawl and promote sustainable growth. Planning approach emphasizing compact, walkable development.