Megalopolis

Megalopolis

1. Environmental Setting

   • Landforms
     • Extends across the physiographic provinces
       • The Atlantic Coastal plain, the Piedmont and the Appalachian uplands
         • Transversed by many rivers
     • Delaware and Chesapeake Bay are estuaries that submerged when sea levels rise
       • Atlantic shore consists of rivers and beaches
     • All major cities of mega are located along important rivers (Fall line)
   • Weather climate and hazards
     • Region’s climate is temperate with annual rain.
       • Southern portion= humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and mild winters. Cfa
         • North= winters are longer and colder and summers are cooler and shorter. Dfa
   • Land cover
     • Much of rural land in Mega is farm/ forest land.
       • But very little remains

2. Historical settlement

   • Many native american groups belonged to the Eastern Woodland Culture Complex.
     • Forests were cleared by NA. B.) Megalopolis already modified before arrival of Europeans.
       • Many were killed by invading Europeans.
   • 17th century, Dutch fur traders established Fort Nassau in Albany, NY 1625, established New Amsterdam on southern tip of Manhattan island.
     • 1664= British took control and renamed NY
     • Pilgrims of southern Massachusetts sailed across Atlantic in 1620 after exile in the Netherlands. A.) Established Plymouth Colony
       • English Puritans moved from England to Massachusetts. A.) Founded city of Boston and established other settlements
         • William Penn was given land for payment of ebt. A.) Territory became focus for Quakers. B.) Philadelphia is one of the first planned cities. C.) Became most cosmopolitan city of 13 colonies
           • Diversity increased in 17th and 18th cent. A.) During 19th cent. many immigrants were from southern or eastern Europe. B.) After WW2 laws were passed limiting immigration. C.) Laws lifted in 1960’s and immigration increased.