Urbanization

How do we use land?

-

Forestry
Mining
Agriculture
Living on Coastlines
Range animals

What is Urbanization?
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Industrial Uses
o Clear cut land to place industrial plants
o Hazardous waste produced, thermal pollution water too hot
o Chemical waste entering water systems
Housing and Development
o New subdivisions are cropping up due to the population growth in
areas.
o Land is cleared for commercial use (retail businesses and medical
facilities)
Urban Sprawl: when the city gets larger because of almost too many people
Large town with a growing suburb
Depend on resources outside the city
Why are big cities growing?
o Increase in birth rates
o Immigration poor are moving to larger cities and away from rural
areas.

What are Heat Islands?

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Enormous amount of heat generated creates an urban heat island. (because

concrete absorbs and holds heat)
The more people there are in an area, the hotter it gets.

What are the Benefits and problems with urban development?

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Benefits:
o Better education system
o Medical services
o Social Service
o More jobs
o Public transportation
o More culture
Problems:
o Infectious diseases
o Inadequate water system
o Poor sewer systems
o Exposure to pollution

What is Carrying Capacity?

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Maximum number of individuals the environment can support.

What is Smart Growth?

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Smart growth: growing city with the mentality of keeping the people and
environment safe.
o Reduces dependence on cars
o Controls and directs sprawl
o Cuts wasteful resource use
Examples:
o US cities:
Portland, OR
San Francisco, CA