Question

Give geographical reasons: Settlements become sparse as we move towards the Amazon river basin.

Hint:

When answering geographical reasons, always focus on cause and effect. Explain the natural factors (such as climate, location, or landforms) that lead to the observed geographical phenomenon. Be clear, concise, and support your answer with relevant examples.

Answer 1

Geographical Reason: The Amazon River Basin is one of the most ecologically diverse yet sparsely populated regions due to several geographical and environmental factors:
Dense Rainforests: The basin is covered by the Amazon Rainforest, which makes large-scale human settlements difficult due to thick vegetation and lack of cleared land.
High Rainfall and Humidity: The region experiences heavy rainfall (over 2000 mm annually) and high humidity, creating an environment that is challenging for permanent human habitation.
Poor Soil Quality: Most of the soil in the Amazon Basin is infertile and leached, making large-scale agriculture unsustainable.
Limited Infrastructure: Due to its remote location and dense forests, transportation and infrastructure development are minimal, reducing accessibility for settlements.
Presence of Indigenous Tribes: The region is home to various indigenous tribes, many of whom follow a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle rather than forming dense urban settlements.
Conclusion: Due to harsh climatic conditions, dense vegetation, and lack of infrastructure, human settlements in the Amazon River Basin are sparse and primarily limited to small indigenous groups and scattered settlements along riverbanks.