(a) Outline two characteristic features of each of the following: (i) Cornubation; (ii) Megapolis.
(b) With specific examples, explain any six functions which settlements perform.
Explanation
(a) (i) Characteristic Features of Conurbation:
(1) It is an urban settlement. (2) Two or more large cities/ towns merge to form Conurbation.
(3) The big cities are merged together by rapid population
(4) The big cities are linked by efficient and physical expansion but with different identities. transportation system/network.
(5) The big cities form one large market for industries. trade and transport.
(6) It is a continuous built-up area. (7) Has a high population density.
(8) Its population is much greater than that of the nearby towns.
(9) It has various industries operating in it
(10) It relies on the reserves of labour, excellent transport, Medicare, etc.
(11) Conurbation as a shopping centre due to the cheap and excellent transport facilities. (12) It has a unique financial strength.
(13) Examples: Lagos, Accra, Ruhr Valley,Tokyo. Monrovia, Serreaunda.
(ii) Characteristic Features of Megapolis:
(1) It is also called megalopolis/mega city/super city.
(2) The highest category of settlement.
(3) Has large territories consisting of great conurbations.
(4) It is highly urbanized region. (5)A very large city with population of more than 10 million inhabitants.
(6) An urban complex.
(7) Continuous built-up area. (8) Linked with communication(transport networks.
(9) Examples: North East USA, Lagos (Nigeria), Cairo (Egypt). New Delhi (India).
(b) Functions of Settlements:
(1) It has commercial functions, e.g. Onitsha (Nigeria).Kano (Nigeria). New York (U.S.A.), Kumasi (Ghana), etc.
(2) Administrative function. e.g. Abuja (Nigeria). Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). etc.
(3) Religious function, e.g. Mecca. Rome. Lhasa. Banares (India).
(4) Mining function. e.g. Jos. Enugu.
(5) Educational function. e.g. Ibadan. Ilorin. Benin City, Accra. Kumasi, Oxford. Obuasi. Johannesburg.
(6) Military functions, e.g. Jaji, Kaduna, Portmouth. Wilberforce, etc.
(7) Industrial function. e.g. Port Harcourt. Takoradi, Tema, Lagos, Freetown, Birmingham.
(8) Port function. e.g. Lome, Lagos, Tenia. Banjul. Freetown.
(9) Royal function, e.g. Ile-lfe. Benin City (Nigeria). London (U.K.). Sokoto (Nigeria).
(10) Resort function, e.g. Miami (Florida). Obudu, Yankari, Matnbila (Nigeria).
(11) Residential!satellite function. e.g. Amuwo (Lagos), Nyanya (Abuja), Harlow (U.K.)