The functions of mountain settlements in relation to their physical environment

Abstract

A settlement is an expression of man's activity, therefore they can be classed according to the predominant activity in a particular place. The effect of mountain conditions on the choice of site and the mode of living in different types of settlements is discussed, I. -Agricultural and Pastoral Settlements, These are the most numerous; the effects of altitude, exposure, degree of slope, the nature of soils and land-forms, water supply and type of farming are discussed. Examples (personal knowledge). Reichenbach (Kander Valley) and Devoluy in the Alps, Pyrenean Navarre and the Picos de Europa in Spain, Others. The Val d'Anniviers; the Hunza Valley in the Karakoram; the Altiplano of Bolivia. II. Mining and Other Industrial Settlement, Mining in relation to geology and structure; artificial character of mining towns; areas where they are most important. Small manufacturing industries. Hydro-electric power development. Examples (personal knowledge). Jenbach (Austria); Welsh slate quarrying. Others, Silver Peak and Blair(Nevada); Black Hills of Dakota; Styria; Harz Mts.; hydro-electric power in the French Alps. III. TRADING SETTLEMENTS Relationship to routes, especially to passes and major valleys. Mountain border towns; transit trade; local market towns. Some characteristics of mountain trade in different continents. Examples (personal knowledge). Innsbruck, Thun. Others. Grenoble; Nepal Himalaya. P.T.O. IV. Strategic Sites. Defensible sites; relation to physical features. Common points with trading settlements. Relationship to changes in systems of communications, methods of warfare and positions of frontiers. Examples (personal knowledge). Briancon (Alps); Roncesvalles and Burguete (Pyrenees). Others. Trento, Sion. V. Health and Holiday Resorts. Recent growth; advantages of climate; scenery. Development of tourism in mountains accessible to large centres of population with a high standard of living. Hill stations in Monsoon Asia. Examples (personal knowledge). Grindelwald and Bardonecchia in the Alps. Sierra de Guddarrama in Spain. Others. Canadian Rockies. VI. Conclusion, Relation to. historical changes. Depopulation of mountain areas, its causes and effects. Possible industrial developments. The uncertainties of a frontier region (Julian Alps). Continuance of change.