Which geographic study assesses how geographical features influence human settlement?

The study that assesses how geographical features influence human settlement is most closely aligned with human geography. This branch of geography focuses on the relationships between people and their environments, examining how the physical landscape, resources, and climate influence human activities, including where and how communities form and develop.

Human geography looks at various elements such as population distribution, cultural practices, and economic structures, all in relation to geographic features. For instance, it explores why certain areas are more suitable for agriculture, settlement, or commerce based on the surrounding geography, such as mountains, rivers, and climate conditions.

The other branches of geography also play roles in understanding environment and human interaction but do not focus specifically on settlement patterns. Political geography looks at spatial relationships and the influence of political processes on geographical areas. Physical geography deals primarily with natural landscapes and processes, while cultural geography examines how culture and geography interact but does not specifically center on settlement influenced by geographical features.