Geography 332 - Study Guide for Megalopolis

Concentric Zone Model

1920s, sociologists thought a city looked like this (a bunch of layered circles - see notes)

What is the fall line? How did these settlements turn into cities?

All of the major cities of Megalopolis are located along the area's most important rivers. Many are on the Fall Line, which is located where the Piedmont meets the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The term Fall Line refers to the fact that many rivers descend from the Piedmont onto the coastal plain over rapids and water-falls. These falls were important to settlement because they blocked ocean-going ships from penetrating any further upstream and because they provided water power to run the region's early industries.

Physical landforms in this area - 3. How did the physical geography play a big part in the development of this region?

Atlantic Coastal Plain Piedmont Appalachians

If I said the climate in this region is C or D. Be able to explain the characteristics of each and where you would find each.

C = mild mid-latitude (mediterranean climate, marine west coast climate) D = severe mid-latitude (continental climate)

What is the concept of "the Hinge"?

Catching winds

We discussed the spatial layout of Washington DC, draw it and explain the characteristics the designer wanted implemented. (see notes for drawing)

Characteristics to implement: 1. Major public buildings on higher ground (symbolizes importance) 2. Spacing government branches (symbolizes separation of powers) 3. Broad diagonal avenues (shortens travel distance, symbolizes importance of states ex: "Pennsylvania Avenue" 4. Define key intersection nodes (wanted to create cirlces for parks and monuments 5. Grande promenade (public open space; malls, museums, monuments) 6. Canal in core area (stimulates private sector) 7. Sites for colleges and a national cathedral (expresses cultural value of higher education and faith) 8. Monument of George Washington bc leaders deserve recognition

What are some environmental issues in this region?

Decline in air quality due to burning fossil fuels for transportation networks and industrial sources. The need for a unified and upgraded mass transit system as well as an improved cargo and freight-moving system. The implementation of a broad-based environmental and regional land-use planning approach, preferably focusing on new housing, employment, and maintaining the environmental quality of the entire region.

It is densely populated, but is it homogeneous?

It is NOT homogeneous - Each of the major cities in the region retain their distinctive cultural characteristics; The region is not uniformly urbanized.

What are the 5 burroughs? (of New York)

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens The Bronx Staten Island - best view of the Statue of Liberty

Which one of the major cities is also a state capital?

Richmond, VA

Is there a difference between megalopolis and Megalopolis?

Megalopolis is the large population agglomeration which extended from Boston to Washington megalopolis = any agglomeration of coalescing super cities

Describe the Megalopolis? Who name it?

Megalopolis is the large population group which extended from Boston to Washington - Was traditionally Boston, NY, and Washington, but now includes Philadelphia and Baltimore - Coined by French Geographer, Jean Gottman in 1961

Multiple Nuclei Model

different areas of specilization

What is White Flight?

The move of white city-dwellers to the suburbs to escape the influx of minorities.

What does site mean? Situation?

The site was the actual place where people decided to locate their settlement - it is the physical characteristics or physical geography of a region. (EX: islands, peninsulas, bays, harbors) The growth of that settlement then depended upon its situation in relation to accessibility and availability of natural resources. Relative location (EX: Close to canada, closest to Europe)

What are the big cities that are called Fall-Line Cities?

Trenton, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond

What type of farming is in this region?

Truck farming -- is an important form of agricultural production in the region. Truck farming is given this term because farmers frequently transport their own produce to market in trucks. It normally involves the production of fruits and vegetables for local consumers. Sweet corn, watermelons, tomatoes, cantaloupes, apples, pears, and peaches are grown by local farmers and sold to urban consumers at thousands of roadside stands, grocery stores, and farmers' markets throughout the region.

What are some of the problems in Megalopolis?

Population increase due to immigration

What are the main characteristics? (many centered region)

Spatial Interaction: - People - via sidewalks, parking lots, subways = Information - via communication lines, wires, terminals - Utilities - including sewage, water, electricity, gas Functional Complexity: - Residential - Industrial - Commercial - Recreational Public Services: - Provide water, sewage, garbage pick-up, police protection, fire protection, public schools, roadworks, health care Accessibility: - Created and maintained to ensure access to the core from the periphery and along periphery - Accomplished via bypasses, belt loops, parkways, and limited access expressways Intensity of Change: - The dynamic nature of the urban landscape "Nothing seems permanent" - Economic ventures - Shifts in transportation networks - Developments and declines in residential areas

Sector Model

late 1930s, land economist, (half is split like a pizza - see notes)