Final answer:
Settlement patterns in South Asia are primarily influenced by mountainous terrain, such as the Himalayas. These mountains act as a natural barrier and define the geographic zones of the region. The river basins, like the Indus and Ganges rivers, have historically been important for early civilizations and continue to be core population areas today.
Step-by-step explanation:
Settlement patterns in South Asia are primarily influenced by mountainous terrain. The Himalayas in the northern part of India act as a natural barrier and define the geographic zones of the country. The densely populated river valleys of the Indus and Ganges rivers are located to the south and northwest of the Himalayas, while the tropical south is cut off from these valleys by mountains and thick forests.
The mountainous terrain affects the distribution of settlements in South Asia, as it often determines the availability of resources and impacts transportation and accessibility. The river basins, such as those of the Indus and Ganges rivers, have historically been important for early civilizations due to their water supply and fertile soil, and they continue to be core population areas today.
An example of the influence of the mountainous terrain on settlements in South Asia can be seen in the case of Surat, where the hilly terrain prevented the expansion of the city and led to the development of a compact urban center.