3.1 The terms/words below refers to the phrases that follows - NSC Geography - Question 3 - 2016 - Paper 1

Settlement A is characterized as nucleated, where buildings are clustered together, enhancing community interaction and resource sharing. Conversely, Settlement B is dispersed, with buildings spread out, which may hinder social cohesion but allows for extensive agricultural land use.

Settlement C is ideally located due to its access to water sources and proximity to fertile land. These features enable efficient farming practices and ensure adequate irrigation. Moreover, the closeness to transportation routes facilitates the movement of goods to markets.

The dispersed settlement pattern at B has distinct socio-economic advantages. Farmers can utilize larger areas of land, maximizing agricultural productivity, and there is often less competition for resources. However, this pattern also presents disadvantages, such as limited access to public services and community facilities, leading to social isolation. Furthermore, essential services may require longer travel times, impacting education and healthcare accessibility. In addition, fragmented land ownership can lead to inefficiencies in farming operations. Overall, while dispersed patterns can promote independence, they may also isolate residents from important community support networks.

1. Droughts - Severe drought conditions often result in agricultural failure, forcing residents to migrate to urban areas in search of more viable resources.

One consequence of rural depopulation is a decrease in available labor for agricultural activities, which could lead to reduced productivity. Furthermore, the aging population that remains may struggle to sustain local economies, leading to business closures and service reductions. This cycle of decline can perpetuate further emigration as the area becomes less attractive for new residents.

1. Improvement of Infrastructure - Enhancing transport and communication networks can make rural areas more accessible and appealing to urban dwellers.
2. Incentives for Businesses - Offering tax breaks and financial support for new businesses encourages economic development and creates job opportunities that can attract urban residents.

Urbanisation is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to reside in urban areas, driven by rural-to-urban migration and natural population growth in cities.

The sketch illustrates urbanisation by depicting a crowded cityscape characterized by high-rise buildings and dense housing, showing the concentration of people and businesses. The expansion of urban infrastructures, such as roads and amenities, reflects increased urban activity typical of urbanisation.

Urbanisation negatively impacts the natural environment through habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and increased pollution levels. For instance, construction activities often lead to deforestation and the displacement of wildlife, while urban growth contributes to soil and water degradation. Additionally, urban areas typically experience higher pollution rates from traffic and industrial activities, which can degrade air quality and affect public health.

The development of greenbelts serves as an effective strategy to manage urban sprawl by creating buffer zones between urban and rural areas. These green spaces can help to limit the encroachment of urban development into agricultural lands, thus preserving vital ecosystems. Furthermore, greenbelts enhance the quality of life for urban residents by providing recreational areas and improving air quality. They also promote biodiversity by offering habitats for various species, contributing to environmental sustainability. By enforcing policies that limit construction within these greenbelts, municipalities can maintain the balance between development and nature.

The photo depicts heavy industry, characterized by large-scale manufacturing activities, often involving heavy machinery and significant environmental impact.

1. Large capital investment - Heavy industries generally require substantial financial resources for setup and operation.
2. High energy consumption - These industries typically consume vast amounts of energy to power their operations.

The problem at A, likely related to urban pollution, can lead to deterioration of building materials, compromising the integrity of structures. Factors such as acid rain can erode concrete and steel, making buildings unsafe and prone to collapse over time.

To mitigate the problems associated with urban pollution, municipalities can implement stricter environmental regulations on industries and promote green building practices. Additionally, planting vegetation around industrial areas can improve air quality and reduce pollutant levels in the environment.

Heavy industries typically generate significant levels of pollution and noise, which can adversely affect the quality of life in adjacent residential and commercial areas like the Central Business District (CBD). To maintain a conducive living and working environment, a spatial separation between these industries and the CBD is necessary.