Final answer:
A geographer might explain a large settlement near a transportation corridor by pointing out the settlement's site location advantages, such as the presence of a break of bulk point, which leads to urbanization, economic growth, and changes in settlement patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geographers would identify specific site location advantages on a physical map to explain the reason for a large settlement near a transportation corridor. One crucial factor is the presence of a break of bulk point, where different modes of transportation meet and goods are transferred from one form of transport to another.
For instance, ports, warehouses, and rail terminals can cause a city to grow if they facilitate the breaking of bulk. Major cities like New York City and Los Angeles became large partly due to such advantages, benefiting from multiple transport options that stimulated trade and attracted labor, leading to urbanization and economic growth.
Urbanization, access to and availability of resources, and economic activities are primary processes that have driven changes in settlement patterns. These features are significant when explaining why a settlement grows in specific locations, as they provide the necessary infrastructure and resources for industries and populations to thrive.