Locations Distributions Patterns for Human Settlements Centers of Irbid Governorate: A Comparative Analytical Study of Neighboaring Relation
Abdallah Al-Tarazi, Geography Dept ., Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
Abstract
The objective of this research is to determine the location distribution models of the population centers in Irbid governorate, Jordan. These models were found to be affected by two main factors. The first factor is the natural factors such as the geomorphology, the weather, the natural green cover, and water resources. The second factor is related to the humanatian factors such as the historical background, the economic development, and the social and cultural development. By adapting the Nearest Neighbors' Index, the research has discovered that various models are found in the same region but with different deviation degrees. For example, the unorganized deviated model has been found in the districts of North Jordan Valley, Bani Kenanah, Al-Wosutyah, Al-Koorah, Irbids' Kasabah, and Northern Mazar. The organized deviated model was found in the district of Al-Ramtha. Finally, the districts of Al-Taibah and Bani Obied were found to follow the random model. The research has also found that the population centers in the northern Jordan Valley and internal planes are larger than the ones in the mountains region. Finally, the research recommends stopping providing construction licenses between any population centers with a separating distance less than two and a half kilometers. In addition, it recommends selecting uncultivated lands for any new residential and industrial projects.