Final answer:
To study where people live and why they chose to live there, you would use the elements of human geography and physical geography, which examine human activity and the earth's physical systems. These elements help understand settlement patterns and location choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are studying where people live and why they chose to live there, you would use the elements of human geography and physical geography. Human geography focuses on human activity and its relationship to the earth's surface, including the spatial distribution of human populations, religions, languages, and more. Physical geography examines the planet's physical systems, such as climate and topography, which can influence settlement patterns and location choices.
For example, let's consider a city located near a coast. Human geography would explore the reasons why people choose to live there, such as the economic opportunities provided by fishing industries or tourism. Physical geography would examine factors like the climate, such as a mild coastal climate with access to marine resources, which make the location attractive for settlement.
Another example would be a city located in a mountainous region. Human geography would investigate the reasons why people choose to live there, such as the scenic beauty or recreational opportunities provided by the mountainous terrain. Physical geography would explore factors like the topography, which can impact settlement patterns by influencing transportation routes and the availability of flat land for building.