Factors for Site, Growth & Function of Settlements | Geography for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Factors influencing site and situation

• Site: Refers to the actual land on which a settlement is built, influenced by factors like accessibility, water supply, and defense. It plays a crucial role in determining the viability and success of a settlement.
• Growth: The increase in the size and population of a settlement over time due to factors such as economic opportunities, improved infrastructure, and social amenities. Growth is essential for the sustainability and development of a settlement.
• Function: Describes the purpose or role of a settlement, which can vary from residential to commercial or industrial functions. The function of a settlement shapes its layout, services, and overall character.
• Accessibility: Ease of reaching a location, affecting the desirability of a site for settlement. Good transportation links and proximity to key resources can enhance accessibility and attract inhabitants.
• Water Supply: Availability of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes is vital for the establishment and growth of settlements. Settlements often develop near water sources for sustenance.
• Defense: The ability of a site to provide natural protection against potential threats, such as elevated terrain or water bodies, influencing the security and resilience of a settlement.

Growth of Settlements

Factors that affect the growth include:

• Climate: Extreme climates can hinder settlement growth.
• Raw Materials: Abundance of raw materials leads to more investment opportunities, attracting people and fostering settlement growth.
• Fertile Land: Productive land allows surplus goods to be sold, supporting non-farming services and contributing to settlement expansion.
• Location: Strategic locations, such as central hubs for trade, facilitate settlement growth.
• Historical Significance: Areas with historical importance, like government seats or universities, can drive settlement development.

Function of Settlements

• Settlements evolve in their functions over time. 
• Initially, they may serve a single purpose, but as they expand or face challenges, new functions emerge.
  • Liverpool, a city in the UK, exemplifies this evolution. Initially a bustling port for trade, its role diminished in the 1970s due to changes like containerization and limitations in port accessibility.
  • Tourism has now taken center stage in Liverpool's economy, capitalizing on cultural phenomena like The Beatles and the Merseybeat era.
  • Liverpool's transformation was highlighted when it was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008, surpassing other British cities such as Newcastle and Birmingham.
  • Despite being recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2004, Liverpool lost this status in 2021 due to redevelopment that compromised its original maritime essence.
• Other functions include:
  • Political
  • Dormitory
  • Agricultural
  • Tourism
  • Mining
  • Port
  • Market town
  • Fishing
  • Residential
  • Industrial