Transcript Megalopolis rs07

What exactly is a Megalopolis?
A region in which several major
cities and surrounding areas
grow together.
Why is the northeast one of the most
heavily populated and urbanized
areas?
-43 million people live in
Megalopolis, 20% of the population
of the North American continent.
-The American Megalopolis is 500 square
miles of land on the northeast coast of
the USA, covering only 1 % of the North
American continent.
Why so many people on this
small region of land?
It took a “perfect storm” of geographic combinations to
create a region that was nearly perfect for the settlement
of a large number of people.
The glaciers of the last Ice Age tore apart the east coast of
the USA, creating deep natural harbors and bays.
The first settlers found
dense forests and rich farm
land.
There were plenty of fresh
water resources for settlers
and cities.
While the Appalachian
Mountains served to
“hem” the settlers in,
they also provided
valuable resources.
The “Fall Line” kept ships
from using most of the
rivers on the East Coast
to move into the interior,
the rivers did provide:
Water falls and rapids provided the
region with water power. This was
the most efficient use of power in
its day. Factories and cities built
up along the Fall Line to take
advantage of this natural resource.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES and
POPULATION
1. The area is conducive to all four
activities.
2. There is a great deal of both wealth and
poverty in the region.
3. very dense urban population
4. A leading business and governmental
center of the US and world.
Major Cities of Megalopolis
Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
Baltimore
Washington, D.C.
North American Megalopolis Regions