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The Von Thunen Model

Caleb Lopez

Caleb Lopez

7 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Von Thunen Model, a 19th-century economic model explaining agricultural land use based on transportation costs and market distance. It details the model's four concentric zones, from intensive agriculture near the market to extensive ranching further out. Key concepts include distance, profitability, land use intensity, and the model's assumptions and real-world applications are also explored. Practice questions and exam tips are included.

AP Human Geography: Von Thunen Model - Your Ultimate Review 🚀

Hey there, future geographer! Let's break down the Von Thunen Model. Think of it as a super helpful guide to understanding why farmers grow certain things where they do. This model is all about location, location, location!

Introduction to the Von Thunen Model

Key Concept

The Von Thunen Model is a 19th-century economic model that explains agricultural land use based on transportation costs and market distance. It's like a blueprint for where different types of farming happen around a city.

  • Developed by Johann Heinrich von Thunen.
  • Explains how distance from the market and transportation costs influence agricultural practices.
  • Predicts land use intensity: more intensive closer to the market, more extensive further away.

Core Concepts

Distance and Profitability

  • Closer to the market = higher profit due to lower transport costs and higher selling prices.
  • Further from the market = lower profit due to higher transport costs and lower selling prices.

Land Use Intensity

  • Intensive Farming: High-value, perishable goods (e.g., dairy, vegetables) located closer to the market.

  • Extensive Farming: Lower-value, less perishable goods (e.g., grains, livestock) located further from the market.

Memory Aid

Think of it like this: perishables need to be close to the market to stay fresh, while non-perishables can travel further without losing value.

Visualizing the Model

  • The model uses concentric rings to represent different agricultural zones around a central market city.
  • Each ring represents a different type of land use based on profitability and transportation costs.

Von Thunen Model

Caption: A visual representation of the Von Thunen Model showing concentric rings of agricultural activity around a central market.

The Four Zones of the Von Thunen Model

Zone 1: Intensive Agriculture and Dairying

  • What: Fresh milk, dairy products, and perishable fruits a...

Question 1 of 12

The Von Thunen Model is primarily used to explain what? 🤔

Urban development patterns

Industrial location choices

Agricultural land use patterns

Population migration trends