Question

Give geographical reasons for the following
Settlements are sparse in North-Eastern Brazil.

Hint:

Rivers have waterfalls, rapids, and irregular flow.

Answer 1

Step 1: Semi-Arid Climate of North-Eastern Brazil

The north-eastern region of Brazil, particularly the Caatinga, experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by low and irregular rainfall. This makes the area prone to frequent droughts, which limit reliable agricultural production and hinder human settlement.

Rainfall regime: High variability and frequent droughts restrict dependable yields, discouraging agricultural development.

Step 2: Water Scarcity and Its Impact

Chronic water scarcity affects soil fertility and agricultural potential. Due to limited irrigation and infertile land, large-scale farming is not feasible. Consequently, population density is far lower compared to fertile regions like the Amazon Basin or coastal plains.

Feedback effect: Limited water availability reduces investment opportunities, reinforcing sparse settlement patterns.

Step 3: Drought-Prone Area

Frequent droughts worsen living conditions, causing migration to other regions with better rainfall and economic opportunities. The harsh environment discourages long-term settlement and development.

Migration note: Recurrent droughts lead to out-migration toward wetter and economically stronger regions of Brazil.

\[ \textbf{Settlements are sparse in North-Eastern Brazil due to water scarcity, poor soil, and frequent droughts.} \]