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Regional Geography Jim Ryan11Definition to learn:A Region is an area on the earths surface which is different to all areas around it. It has different characteristics e.g. physical (climate soils, rocks, drainage), cultural, administrative, economic, human.

Jim Ryan22Types of Region:PHYSICAL REGIONS (Climate or Geomorphological)ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONSCULTURAL REGIONSSOCIO-ECONOMIC REGIONS I.E. CORE/PERIPHERY, INDUSTRIALLY DECLINED REGIONSURBAN REGIONS Jim Ryan33PERIPHERAL REGIONSA peripheral region is a region which is distant from the core and lacks economic, political and administrative investment e.g. BMW, Mezzogiorno, Greece, Scottish HighlandsUsually the poorest part of the country.Usually will have negative aspects to its physical geography eg drought, boggy soilsJim Ryan44REGIONAL DEFINITIONSCORE REGIONS - A core region is the wealthiest part of an area of land. It is the centre of economic,political and administrative life in a region e.g. Dublin, Paris Basin.Usually the capital of a country is in the core region.Jim Ryan55

CORE REGION - PARIS BASINEach Region to be studied under these headings

Jim Ryan7Paris BasinPrimary Economic Activities

Paris BasinPhysical Characteristics

ReliefLow-lying area less than 200 mHuge down fold in sedimentary rocksRock layers folded in eastRidges or scarps on landscape

SoilsFertileVary depending on underlying rock (Clay, chalk, limestone)

Different soil types- different farming areas (pays)Limon soils- centre of region, productive agriculture (Ile De France) ideal for the growth of cerealsClay soils Brie Region (heavier soils) suitable for dairy farming

DrainageThree Rivers flow across the regionSeineSommeLoire

ClimateChanges from West to East

West; Influence of the sea creates a Maritime climate. Similar to Irelands climate.Summers cool (16 deg)Winters mild (5 deg)Rainfall 800 mm

East; As the seas influence does not reach this part of the region there is a hotter Continental climate.Summers hot (19 deg)Winters cold (2 deg)Rainfall less than 700 mm

Inbetween; Transitional

Paris BasinPrimary Economic Activities

Important FactorsFertile soilMild ClimateLow-lying reliefProximity to wealthy urban marketTransport (pg 384)Gov / EU Policies (pg 384)

AgricultureFertile limon soilMild climate, spring rainfall, long hours of sunCereal crops- wheat, barley & maizeAlluvial soils close to SeineIntensive commercial farmingMechanised farmsEasy access to wealthy market (over 21 million people)

Agricultural ProduceWheatBarleySugar beetDairy farming (cheese & butter)Viticulture

Farm production in different farming areas in ParisIL DE FRANCE (LIMESTONE LIMON SOILS)BEAUCE (LIMESTONE LIMON SOILS)BRIE AND VALOIS (CLAY SOILS, DAIRY FARMING)THE CHAMPAGNE REGION (CHALK RIDGES, CLAY SOILS)TaskSketch a map of the Paris BasinLabel the areasLabel the soil type in the areaLabel the type of farming/what is produced in the area because of the soil type

Pages 385 and 386 in book

HomeworkQuestion: Examine the factors that influence the development of a primary economic activity in a Core region you have studied.

Due tomorrow 3rd April

Answer Layout:Sentence starter:The factors which impact a primary economic activity _________ in a core region I have studied _________ are:

Fertile soil/relief (3 SRPS)Mild Climate (3 SRPS)Transport infrastructure (pg 384) (3 SRPS)Government / EU Policies (pg 384) (3 SRPS)Access / CommunicationsRiver SeinePorts (Le Harve)Road & Rail networks focus on ParisTGV rail Train Grande Vitesse (French high speedtrain).MetroTwo international airportsDirect link to London via Channel Tunnel