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Content: Environmental Factors of Early Human Settlement: Topography
Topography refers to the shape of the land. It includes features like mountains, hills, plains and deserts. Topography was important for early human settlement. Farmers usually settled in flat, open areas such as plains and valleys. Large, flat spaces gave them room to grow crop. Also, the rich soil in coastal plains and river valleys was excellent for growing crops. Mountains and deserts were less friendly to human settlement. Steep mountains were hard to cross. Their jagged peaks and rocky land made farming difficult.