Natural Geographical Features

Definition

Natural geographical features are physical characteristics of the Earth’s surface that occur naturally, such as mountains, rivers, valleys, and plains. These features shape the landscape and significantly influence human activities, cultural practices, and internal boundaries within regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Natural geographical features can serve as barriers or conduits for human movement and interaction, influencing trade routes and settlement patterns.
2. Mountains can create distinct climatic zones on either side, affecting agricultural practices and population distribution.
3. Rivers often serve as natural boundaries between political entities, impacting governance and administrative divisions.
4. Coastal features like bays and cliffs can significantly affect urban development and tourism industries.
5. The identification and understanding of natural geographical features are crucial for environmental planning and disaster management.

Review Questions

• How do natural geographical features influence internal boundaries within a region?
  • Natural geographical features like rivers and mountain ranges often dictate where internal boundaries are drawn. These features can act as natural barriers that separate communities or regions, leading to distinct cultural identities. For instance, a river might serve as a boundary between two states or provinces, impacting governance and resource management.
• Discuss the role of natural geographical features in shaping human settlement patterns and land use.
  • Natural geographical features significantly shape where people choose to live and how they utilize land. Areas with fertile plains may see more agricultural development, while mountainous regions might limit settlement due to difficult terrain. As a result, cities often develop along rivers or coasts where resources are abundant, affecting population density and infrastructure planning.
• Evaluate the impact of natural geographical features on political relationships between neighboring regions or countries.
  • Natural geographical features can heavily influence political relationships by acting as both barriers and connectors. For instance, mountain ranges may create isolation between neighboring countries, fostering distinct national identities but also tensions over resources. Conversely, rivers that cross borders can facilitate trade and cooperation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial in international relations, especially in discussions about resource sharing and environmental management.

Related terms

Topography:

The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area, including elevation and landforms.

Watershed: An area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet, such as a river or bay.

Geographical Information System (GIS):

A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data.