Essential Questions What are the significant physical features of Georgia that have impacted its development? How is the impact of these features manifested?

Okefenokee Swamp Covers 681 square miles making it the largest swamp in North America Freshwater wetland (wetland: low-lying land area where water lies close to the surface) Native Americans from the Archaic period lived here Area is protected by the federal government

Okefenokee Swamp http://www.gpb.org/georgiastories/story/okefenokee_swamp

Another type of wetland Salt Marshes: A wetland that is influenced by tides Georgia ranks 4th in the nation in wetland acres A marsh at low tide. The same marsh at high tide.

Georgia’s Barrier Islands “Islands of Gold” Barrier islands protect the mainland from wind, sand, and water that cause erosion. Georgia has 18 barrier islands. These islands are tourist destinations but 2/3 of the land remains wilderness sanctuaries.

Barrier Islands

Continental Shelf: The Fall Line: Where the land meets the sea Natural boundary between Piedmont and Coastal Plain Where hilly land meets the coastal plain Runs from Columbus through Macon to Augusta Prevented exploration but provided for settlements

Fall Line natural boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions

Appalachian Mountains The southernmost point of the Appalachian Mountains is located in Georgia. Georgia’s highest peaks are in the Appalachian Mountain ranges. In the southern states these mountains are often called the Blue Ridge due to the blue haze that appears around their peaks. The highest peak in Georgia is Brasstown Bald, which has an elevation of over 4700 feet above sea level.

Appalachian Mountains

Chattahoochee River A song was written about the Chattahoochee River by Alan Jackson

Chattahoochee River begins in Blue Ridge region of GA and ends at the Gulf of Mexico forms part of the border between Alabama and Georgia Native Americans long used the river as a food and water source, as did Georgia’s European settlers Today, river is used as water source, for industry, and for recreation

Chattahoochee River

Savannah River forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina One of Georgia’s longest waterways The river has been a source of water, food, and transportation for thousands of years. Historically, it was used for three reasons: Transportation – cultures could move to other places easier Settlement – allowed cultures to settle near a steady source of food Economic – allowed cultures to trade with others

Today, the river is navigable for over 200 miles between the city of Savannah and Augusta In addition to shipping, the river, today, is used as a major source of drinking water for Savannah and Augusta, to cool two nuclear power plants in South Carolina, and to generate hydroelectric power.

Savannah River

Essential Questions How has climate played a role in development of prehistoric cultures?

Temperate climate has an affect on economy and development Tourism Mountains attract hikers and skiers in winter Coastal Plain attracts beach-goers Agriculture Longer growing season than most states Amount of rain in Piedmont helps peanuts & tobacco Industries – developed because of climate Textile – oldest industry in GA because of cotton crop Pine forests regrow rapidly Corporations – employees enjoy living in warm climate

Weather Affected by winds that blow from west toward east in winter Can cause snow or rainstorms and sharp changes More rain in Blue Ridge Mountains region

Hurricanes Spiraling wind systems that can cause great damage Form over water Form in Atlantic Ocean

Tornadoes Occur mostly during severe thunderstorms Form over land, unlike hurricanes

Prehistoric cultures and climate Georgia’s climate allowed the early Native Americans to trade with other cultures. Native Americans were able to use a variety of sources to get food, clothing, and shelter.

Climate important at other times in history From its beginning Georgia was established for growing crops, and James Oglethorpe and the rest of the trustees hoped its climate would allow for the cultivation of rice, indigo, wine and silk. Once slavery was allowed in the colony, Georgia developed the plantation based agriculture of the rest of the South. After the Civil War, Georgia remained predominately an agricultural state until the 20th century.