steep – adj. going up or down very quickly
spiral – n. a situation in which something continuously increases, decreases, or gets worse (usually singular)
meatpacking plant – n. a factory that processes animals that are made into meat products
retain – v. to keep (someone) in a position, job, etc.
attract – v. to cause (someone) to choose to do or be involved in something
geography – n. the natural features (such as rivers, mountains, etc.) of a place
dense – adj. crowded with people