Boundaries

Types of Boundaries natural boundaries- a geographical division (river, ocean, mountain range) between two entities.

political boundaries- a human made division between two entities.

Natural or Political?

POLITICAL!!! (A line on a map that was drawn when the area was surveyed and mapped out.) An example is the US state of Wyoming. It is pretty close to perfectly square, and the borders correspond to no natural features.

What Type of Boundary?Rio Grande River separates the

U.S. from Mexico Natural Boundary

United States and CanadaPolitical Boundary

Why Boundaries?

Why would anyone use a natural boundary or draw an imaginary line around a particular space?

What are the advantages of creating political boundaries such as countries, states, counties,

and towns?

Appear in multiple, differing forms and operate on a variety of scales.

Most common is one that takes the form of a man-made physical structure. For example: a barbed-wire fence, railroad track or a checkpoint.

They are fixed.

What are the advantages of creating political boundaries such as countries, states, counties,

and towns (CONTINUED)?

Tool for managing a group of peoples and as a way of minimizing conflict and organizing efficient political units.

Can divide not only territory but cultures, languages, ethnicities, and natural resources.

Provide people with a sense of security and belonging.

What are the disadvantages of creating political boundaries such as countries,

states, counties, and towns?

Constantly subject to shifts and changes.

Many disputes :Determine where they are locatedBoundaries are to be interpretedWho should control areas

Can divide not only territory but cultures, languages, ethnicities, and natural resources, which can provide with a sense of exclusion.

What are the advantages of having Natural Boundaries?

A natural feature, such as a river or mountain range

Visible and tends to interfere with human movement and interaction.

Rivers are very popular since they are long, relatively thin compared to the entire state, and they are obvious.

What are the advantages of having Natural Boundaries (CONTINUED)?

Mountains = natural barriersDefend a country by holding back or at

least slowing down the enemy.

Natural boundaries are easier to police (no confusion as to where one state ends and another begins).

What are the disadvantages of having natural boundaries?

Not Fixed.

Give the illusion of permanence on a map— a trait valued by boundary makers.

Rivers will, over time, change their course due to erosion and stream courses do change.

Are all resources the same?

Land

Natural Resources

Survival

Most Important Natural Resources Today

1. Water

2. Food

3. Oil

4. Natural Gas

5. Coal