Settlement patterns refer to the ways in which communities and populations are distributed across a specific area. These patterns can be influenced by various factors, including geography, climate, and available resources. For example, areas near rivers or coastlines often see higher population densities due to access to water and trade routes. Different types of settlement patterns include urban, rural, and suburban areas. Urban settlements are typically characterized by high population density and infrastructure, while rural areas have fewer people and more open space. Suburban areas often serve as a transition between urban and rural, featuring residential neighborhoods close to city centers.