To what extent is To what extent is the distribution of the USA the distribution of the USA

population determined population determined by its physical by its physical

geographical featuresgeographical features ? ?

by Carole Vincentby Carole Vincent

In order to answer this question, it is first necessary to In order to answer this question, it is first necessary to determinedetermine

the distribution of the population in the USA thanks to the the distribution of the population in the USA thanks to the following map showing the country’s population density in following map showing the country’s population density in

2000.2000.

Hence, it is clearly visible that :

-the density is much higher on the coasts than in the center of the country; -there is a North/South boundary in the center of the country separating a fairly high density level to a fairly low one.

However, WHY? The question we have been asked is focused on the physical geographical features of the country : therefore, we shall firstly establish the natural physical factors to the distribution of the USA’s population ; then, we shall study the more economical side of the case closely linked to history and Geography.

The USA’s internal activityThis map reveals that the population distribution of

the USA is partly determined by the frequency ofvolcano eruptions and earthquakes given that the

more there are, the smaller the population density is. Hence, they are push factors repulsing people from

certain locations because of the danger they represent.

ClimateThis map reveals that the climate, or more precisely

the annual precipitation of the USA is also an important factor in the distribution of the population : humans

cannot live in an excessively dry environment on an individual and agricultural basis, hence the

more the rainfall approaches 35 to 50 inches per year, the denser the population is. In addition to this, people are attracted to the coasts given that at summertime,

the temperature is cooler and at wintertime, it is warmer.

ReliefLiving conditions are hard and extreme in

mountainous regions given that the climate is colder in altitude. This is revealed in this map : the mountain area represents the lesser population density on the

small map in the corner. However, mountains can also represent an economical barrier as well since the

transportation of goods is more difficult.

                                

    

WaterbodiesAs we have seen with the importance of

precipitation for humans, the distribution ofwaterbodies and streams also determine thedistribution of population. This is mostly in an

economical goal : water means easiertransportation and easier living conditions. Hence, it attracts people and settlements.

Thus, the USA’s geography physical features, such as its climate, its internalactivity, its precipitation, relief and water bodies determine the population

distribution.

However, because of the lack of technology in the past, people had notdiscovered ways to pass these natural obstacles. Hence, history or the way

people have already settled also determines the distribution of the population.

Mines and farms

Before the invention of irrigation and transportation, cities were built around accessible mines (eastern part of the USA) and fertile lands (close to water :

north eastern part) to form their economy and wealth.

Now, people settle where there arefairly good living conditions andjob opportunities. Hence, even though technology has been

developping, they are attracted to these cities that were formed

according to the land’s resources. This also explains the weak density inthe mountains given that cities were

not built there due to the technologicallacks of the time.

                           

Transportation and the vicious circleIt is clearly visible on this map that people tend to cluster

where transportation facilities are located…or is it the government that builds them where people are? In any

case, this presents a vicious circle to us : cities are becoming more and more populated because

people are attracted to easy transportation and job opportunities; at the same time, transportation is growing

to accomodate the people as jobs are created to serve these people.

Therefore, many physical geographical factors determine the distribution of the population in the USA. Its internal activity or potential dangers as well as the

inconvenient relief act as push factors from certain regions whilst the moderate climate as well as the presence of water bodies act as pull factors, attracting people

to other regions. However, the distribution of the population also depends on

history, such as the foundation of the first cities and on the evolution of technology.It is also determined by the needs of different people : some are looking for jobs and busy cities whilst others are looking for calm environments with a moderate climate.

Unfortunately for the USA, these two examples of different human needs attract people to the same places resulting in the very uneven distribution

of the population in the USA.

Sources : Mapmaker-nationalatlas.govNotes taken in class