Ch. 1 Essential Questions

Standards SS8G1 – Describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location SS8G2 – Explain how the Interstate System, International Airport, Deepwater Ports and railroads help drive GA’s economy. SS8E1 – Give examples of goods and services produced in Georgia in different historical periods SS8E2 – Explain the benefits of free trade

Where is Georgia Absolute Location – Uses Latitude and Longitude to determine the exact point on earth. Equator – Line of Latitude at 0 degrees. Latitude – Lines that run east to west (flat) but measures distance north or south of equator.

Where is Georgia Prime Meridian – Line of Longitude at 0 degrees. Longitude – Lines that run north to south but measure distance east or west of Prime Meridian.

Hemispheres Northern Hemisphere is everything above the equator Southern Hemisphere is everything below the equator. Eastern Hemisphere is everything to the east of the Prime Meridian. Western Hemisphere is everything to the west of the Prime Meridian. .

Continent We live on the North American Continent We live in Northern Hemisphere. We live in Western Hemisphere. Between 30-35 north latitude and 80-85 degrees west longitude We live in America. We live in Georgia.

Relative Location Relative Location – Where one thing is in relation to another. Largest state east of the Mississippi River. To Georgia’s north is Tennessee and North Carolina. To Georgia’s east is South Carolina To Georgia’s south is Florida To Georgia’s west is Alabama

Regions of Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Valley and Ridge Appalachian Mountains Appalachian Plateau Piedmont Fall Line Coastal Plain

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains – Located in northeastern part of state. Highest and largest group of mountains in Georgia is in this region. Brasstown Bald is the highest mountain in Georgia All mountains in Georgia are part of the Appalachian Mountain chain which stretches from New York to Alabama

Valley and Ridge This is between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains Forests and pastures dominate this region There are some flat fertile farmlands Blue Ridge and Valley and Ridge regions have faster flowing rivers because of the drops in elevation

Appalachian Plateau The smallest of Georgia’s regions Northwest corner of Georgia. Where Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia meet. Made up of limestone, canyons and rock formations Cave exploring is popular there Farming is not good there

Piedmont Begins in the mountain foothills and goes to central part of state. Atlanta is in the Piedmont Famous for the Georgia Red Clay ½ of the state’s population lives in the Piedmont This was the old “Cotton Belt” Rivers flow fast here, again because of elevation changes

Fall Line Coastal Plain is separated from Piedmont by the Fall Line. This is where the elevated land of the Piedmont “falls” down to the lower land of the Coastal Plain Rivers flow fast because drastic change in elevation Cities grew along the fall line because the fast moving rivers were a source of energy in colonial Georgia.

Coastal Plain Largest of Georgia’s regions There are two parts: Inner Coastal and Outer Coastal Inner Coastal Plain is major agricultural region of state. Fertile soil that is good for farming Rivers flow slower here because land is flat Okefenokee Swamp is in Coastal Plain. Largest swamp in North America. Okefenokee means “Land of trembling earth”

Rivers Chattahoochee River – Runs through Atlanta, forms western boundary. Savannah River – Border of Georgia and South Carolina Altamaha Flint Ogechee Ocmulgee

Barrier Islands Islands found along Georgia’s coast The islands are important because they protect the mainland by blocking much of the wind, sands and water St. Simon’s, Jekyll, Cumberland, Sapelo, St. Catherines

Georgia’s Climate Georgia is in the sub-tropical zone. We have a temperate climate. Climate has made agriculture a major economic activity. Long growing season and lots of rainfall allow a wide variety of crops to be grown. As a whole, Georgia has a hot, wet and humid climate. Winters are mild compared to rest of country

Economic Factors Georgia’s mild climate has drawn many businesses to the state. Not too hot in summer and not too cold in winter This allows for mass production without interference from weather. Any business that deals with farming would be wise to move to Georgia

Georgia’s Economy Today Georgia’s economy is based both on agriculture and industry Georgia has become a center for transportation in the southeast. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has brought large business to Atlanta. International Airport which allows people from all over the world to come to Georgia

Georgia’s Economy Atlanta’s airport has provided thousands of jobs for Georgians Provided billions of dollars in income Provided an incentive for new businesses and industries to come to Georgia