extent on the geometry of the distance covered, not simply the absolute distance
intervening between the two interacting points. A simple illustration of the influ-
ence of geometry (or in more accurate terms, topography) would be a mountain
range lying between two towns that trade with one another but are separated by a
distance of only 5 miles, and the same two towns located on a level plain but sep-
arated by a distance of 10 miles. The distance decay rate (as expressed by a math-
ematical formula or a curve) in the first relationship could likely be higher
(a steeper curve when graphed) than in the latter case, due to the physical barrier
presented by the mountain range, in spite of the fact that the towns are separated
by only half the distance. Some geographers suggest that the impact ofglobaliza-
tionand mass electronic communication are weakening the relevance of the dis-
tance decay concept.104 Distance Decay