105
Expansion of the built-up areas of settlements
alone results in the destruction of habitats and the
reduction of their size. The ratio of built-up areas
is around 14–18% in developed countries with
high population density that seems not to be
much but its effects on the natural environment
are much more significant than its percentage
ratio. In less densely habited countries 8–10% of
artificial surface area is typical and in very rarely
habited countries (deserts, taiga and tundra areas)
the extent of built surfaces is much smaller. Since
the latter countries (Russia, Canada, Australia,
Libya, etc.) occupy large land areas, settlements
and roads cover around 6.4% of dry land
(Table 4.5).
High population density is generally accompanied with great settlement density and roads
and railways connecting the settlements are also
dense. In less densely habited areas the network
is also less dense. This is illustrated by two maps
of Europe’s road atlas (Fig. 4.30). England is
characterised by many settlements of various
ranks from villages and small towns to large cities with more than a million people of population. These settlements are connected with a
developed road network with many motorways
and highways.
Compared to the Russian area the difference is
spectacular. Settlements are much smaller and
more scattered while the road network is underFig. 4.29 Crossing of
ecological and
settlement networks
4.1 Changes in the Outer Boundary Zone of the Earth’s Crust
Expansion of the built-up areas of settlements
alone results in the destruction of habitats and the
reduction of their size. The ratio of built-up areas
is around 14–18% in developed countries with
high population density that seems not to be
much but its effects on the natural environment
are much more significant than its percentage
ratio. In less densely habited countries 8–10% of
artificial surface area is typical and in very rarely
habited countries (deserts, taiga and tundra areas)
the extent of built surfaces is much smaller. Since
the latter countries (Russia, Canada, Australia,
Libya, etc.) occupy large land areas, settlements
and roads cover around 6.4% of dry land
(Table 4.5).
High population density is generally accompanied with great settlement density and roads
and railways connecting the settlements are also
dense. In less densely habited areas the network
is also less dense. This is illustrated by two maps
of Europe’s road atlas (Fig. 4.30). England is
characterised by many settlements of various
ranks from villages and small towns to large cities with more than a million people of population. These settlements are connected with a
developed road network with many motorways
and highways.
Compared to the Russian area the difference is
spectacular. Settlements are much smaller and
more scattered while the road network is underFig. 4.29 Crossing of
ecological and
settlement networks
4.1 Changes in the Outer Boundary Zone of the Earth’s Crust