(a) Pittsburgh is an important steel city in the USA. Most raw materials such as coal are available locally. Iron ore is brought from the iron mines in Minnesota.

The shipping of ore is also a convenient pathway: the Great Lakes of North America. From the lakes to the industrial area, trains are there to carry the ore. Rivers like Ohio, the Monogahela, and the Allegheny provide adequate water supply. Finished steel is transported to the market by both land and water routes.

(b) Osaka is an important textile centre in Japan. It is called the “Manchester of Japan”. Like every important centre, geographical factors played an important role in the establishment of industry here. The plains around Osaka meant land was easily available for the growth of cotton mills. The warm and humid climate is well suited to the spinning and weaving of cotton. The river Yodo provides adequate water supply. Easily available labour and the location of the port are also significant factors. The industry however depends completely on imports. The finished product is exported and is not very expensive.