Distribution-the arrangement of features in a space
Sometimes the distribution of physical and human geographic features are spaced out randomly and other times on purpose. Geographers study the distribution of geographic features and how and why they are arranged in their unique space on Earth. There are three main properties of distribution across Earth: 1. Density 2. Concentration 3. Pattern.
Look at the map of the London Tube (subway) System. How are the tube stations distributed? Do you see a random pattern? OR Is there a purpose to the location of the tube stations?
1. DENSITY-the frequency with which something occurs in a space
Density can measure the number of people, houses, cars, volcanos, etc. Density can also be measured in square kilometers, square miles, acres, and any other unit of measure. There are three different defined densities.
Arithmetic Density-total number of objects in an area
We usually use arithmetic density when discussing the population of a country. For example, the arithemic density of the United States is 33 people per square mile. To calcultate the arithemic density: Total Population / Total Land Area. Large population does not mean high density. Arithmetic Density depends on population size and space available.
Physiologcial Density-the number of persons per unit of area suitable for agriculture
Agricultural Density-the number of farmers per unit area of farmland
You can assume that countries with a high agricultural density and small land area can possible be less developed. Farmers are competing for land and there might not be enough for all farmers.
2. CONCENTRATION-the extent of a feature's spread over space
Clustered: Objects are close together
Dispersed: Objects are far apart
You can also look at concentration over time. As the population of the United States is increasing and people are moving around the country, the concentration of cities has changed. Think about some of the "SUPER" neighborhoods in the Houston area.......
3. PATTERN - the geometric arrangement of objects in a space
Patterns can take on different shapes and forms such as linear, circular, or random. Look at the picture of the downtown area of these cities, what patterns can you see?