What exactly is a Megalopolis? A region in which several major cities and surrounding areas grow together.

Why is the northeast one of the most heavily populated and urbanized areas? -The American Megalopolis is 500 square miles of land on the northeast coast of the USA, covering only 1 % of the North American continent. -43 million people live in Megalopolis, 20% of the population of the North American continent.

Why so many people on this small region of land?

It took a “perfect storm” of geographic combinations to create a region that was nearly perfect for the settlement of a large number of people. The glaciers of the last Ice Age tore apart the east coast of the USA, creating deep natural harbors and bays.

The first settlers found dense forests and rich farm land. There were plenty of fresh water resources for settlers and cities.

While the Appalachian Mountains served to “hem” the settlers in, they also provided valuable resources. The “Fall Line” kept ships from using most of the rivers on the East Coast to move into the interior, the rivers did provide:

Water falls and rapids provided the region with water power. This was the most efficient use of power in its day. Factories and cities built up along the Fall Line to take advantage of this natural resource.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES and POPULATION 1. The area is conducive to all four activities. 2. There is a great deal of both wealth and poverty in the region. 3. very dense urban population 4. A leading business and governmental center of the US and world.

Major Cities of Megalopolis Boston New York City Philadelphia Baltimore Washington, D.C.

North American Megalopolis Regions