Test-Western and Eastern Europe L 9.2 What effect does the physical geography of Siberia have on its population distribution? Siberia's vast plains encourage settlement due to the ease of movement for trade and transportation. Siberia's vast distances and climate make movement and settlement difficult. Siberia's numerous waterways make east to west movement much easier for traders and travelers. Siberia is mostly unexplored so most of its landforms are yet to be discovered.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking about the impact of the physical geography of Siberia on its population distribution. The options provided are:<br />1. Siberia's vast plains encourage settlement due to the ease of movement for trade and transportation.<br />2. Siberia's vast distances and climate make movement and settlement difficult.<br />3. Siberia's numerous waterways make east to west movement much easier for traders and travelers.<br />4. Siberia is mostly unexplored, so most of its landforms are yet to be discovered.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to consider the geographical features of Siberia. Siberia is known for its vast distances and extreme climate, which can make movement and settlement difficult.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Comparing the geographical features of Siberia with the options provided, we can see that option 2, "Siberia's vast distances and climate make movement and settlement difficult," aligns with the known geographical features of Siberia.