Human Settlement & Migration Simulator
Observe how the availability of natural resources drives human settlement, and how natural hazards and climate change force migration (HS-ESS3-1).
Simulation Scenarios
Simulation State
Hazards
Climate Change
> Awaiting human settlement...
Population Data Logger
Regional Map
Understanding the Mechanics (HS-ESS3-1)
1. Natural Resources
Humans fundamentally settle where resources are abundant. In the simulation, agents seek out fresh water (rivers), fertile soil for agriculture (green plains), and mineral deposits (mountains). High resource density increases carrying capacity.
2. Natural Hazards
Geologic and weather events shape history. A volcanic eruption or severe flood acts as a "push factor", immediately destroying local resources and forcing the surviving population to migrate to safer areas.
3. Climate Change
Long-term climatic shifts, like sea level rise, permanently alter the geography. As coastal land is submerged, coastal settlements are displaced inland, increasing competition for resources in the interior.