Urban Geography AP Review

These flashcards cover essential concepts in urban geography, including definitions, historical developments, and significant theories.

What does CBD stand for in urban geography?

Central Business District, which is the concentration of business and commerce in a city’s downtown.

What is urbanization?

The growth and expansion of cities.

What characterizes a primate city?

It is the largest city in a country, representing an urban hierarchy.

What is a mega-city?

A large, fast-growing city with a population of 10 million people, most of which are found in the periphery.

What significant change occurred in urban population from 1 CE to 2026?

The percentage of the world’s population living in cities increased from less than 5% to an anticipated 55%.

What is the first Urban Revolution?

The initial growth of cities due to agricultural surplus and social stratification.

What are urban hearths?

The original cities where urbanization first developed, such as Mesopotamia.

What is the significance of the acropolis in ancient Greek cities?

It was the high point above the city, often used for significant structures like temples.

What infrastructure did the Roman Empire create to support its cities?

Roads, aqueducts, ports, and sewage systems that facilitated trade and the growth of cities.

What does 'site' refer to in urban geography?

The exact location of a city, defined by its latitude and longitude.

What is the rank-size rule?

A theory stating that the nth largest city in a country will have 1/nth the population of the largest city.

What is Central Place Theory?

A theory that explains the distribution of human settlements based on the location of goods and services.

What are boomburbs?

Rapidly growing cities in the US that remain suburban in character but have larger populations typical of bigger cities.

Define exurbs in urban geography.

Residential areas beyond the suburbs that are economically connected to a large metropolis and often have low housing density.

What is 'placelessness' in the context of urban geography?

The loss of unique cultural and architectural characteristics in cities due to globalization.

How did agriculture improvements contribute to urban growth?

Advancements in agriculture led to fewer farmers needed, prompting migration to cities for work.

What role did infrastructure play in the Roman Empire?

It enabled trade and supported the growth of cities, making Rome the center of an extensive trade network.