Key Physical Features of Georgia

The Fall Line The fall line is a natural boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions. Because of the dramatic drop-off of the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the flat plains of the Coastal region, the waterfalls were dangerous to navigate.

The Fall Line The waterfalls provided a source for power, and many mills were located on the fall line. Some of Georgia’s important cities are located along the fall line: Columbus, Macon, and Augusta. (*In addition, star and label Jasper, Atlanta, and Valdosta.)

The Okefenokee Swamp Covers 700 square miles Largest freshwater swamp in North America Found in four Georgia counties (Charlton, Ware, Brantly, and Clinch) Choctaw Indians gave the swamp its name, which means “land of the trembling earth.” (*In addition, list and label St. Mary’s River and Atlantic Ocean.)

The Okefenokee Swamp The most famous Indian tribe that lived in the swamp were the Seminoles. The swamp was a major source of timber but was classified as a wildlife refuge in the early 20th century. Hundreds of animals species call the swamp their home.

The Appalachian Mountains The southernmost point of the Appalachian Mountains is located in Georgia in the Blue Ridge region. Brasstown Bald is also located in the Appalachian Mountains.

Rivers in Georgia Chattahoochee River Begins in the Blue Ridge region and flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Creates part of the border between Georgia and Alabama It is a major water source for the Piedmont region, including Atlanta. It is also used for industry and recreation. (West Point Lake)

Rivers in Georgia Savannah River Also begins in the Blue Ridge region (at Lake Hartwell) but flow to the Atlantic Ocean Forms the border between South Carolina and Georgia It is a source of drinking water for Savannah and Augusta. It is also used to generate hydroelectric power.

Rivers in Georgia Savannah River Hernando de Soto was the first European explorer to cross it. Georgia’s first city was established on the Savannah River.

Barrier Islands long, narrow deposits of sand that form parallel to the shore and away from surf action Found all over the world, but are most well known along the entire eastern coast of North America These islands protect the mainland from wind and erosion. There are 14 barrier islands off the coast of Georgia.

Barrier Islands During the Exploration period, Spanish mission were set up on the islands During the Colonial and Antebellum periods, plantations grew indigo and rice. Today, they are a tourist and recreation attractions.

Warm Up In a well developed paragraph using correct capitalization and punctuation, explain the importance of the  Savannah River and the Chattahoochee River.  Give at least two examples in your response.