A Journey Through Georgia’s Five Regions

Coastal Plains Region Georgia’s largest region Located in South Georgia

Coastal Plains Region Landforms The Coastal Plain Region has flat land with no steep hills where farms and orchards can be found. This region also includes swamps, such as, the Okefenokee Swamp. Along Georgia’s coast, the land consists of sand, sand dunes, and clay.

Coastal Plains Region Climate The climate of the Coastal Plain Region is mild, with hot summers and cool winters. Mild winters with no snow Along the coast, breezes blow from the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes sometimes hit the state. A hurricane is a strong windstorm that forms over the ocean. They can cause heavy damage when they reach land.

Coastal Region Plants, Crops and Other Natural Resources Plains Area Consists of rich sandy soil that is good for growing peanuts, sweet potatoes, tobacco, watermelons, pecans, peaches, corn, sweet Vidalia onions, sugar cane and cotton.

Coastal Plains Region Plants, Crops and Other Natural Resources Coastal Area -Fresh Seafood (shrimp, fish, oysters, crabs) -Ports -Sand and seashells -Live Oak Tree, Georgia’s State Tree, with long, stringy moss that hangs down from the branches. (Savannah, Georgia is a prime location to view these magnificent trees.)

Coastal Region Wildlife Plains Area Deer, raccoons, coyotes, armadillos and more Swamp/Marsh Area Alligators, herons, and many kinds of snakes

Coastal Region Wildlife Coastal Area -Seagulls, crabs, clams, shrimp, lobster, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and more. -Wild horses run freely on the seashores of Cumberland Island.

Coastal Plains Region Local Attractions Okefenokee Swamp The Okefenokee Swamp is in southeastern Georgia. One of the country’s largest swamps. You can find wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and herons.

The Piedmont Region Piedmont means “foot of the mountain.” The Piedmont Region is located in the middle section of Georgia. It is north of the Coastal Plains Region. The Piedmont Region is the second largest region, and it is the state’s most heavily populated region. Many major cities are located in the Piedmont Region. The capital of Georgia, Atlanta, is located in this region.

Piedmont Region Landforms The regions consists mainly of rolling hills, with many valleys. In some areas, the hills are tall and look almost like mountains. Many streams and rivers flow through the Piedmont Region.

Piedmont Region Climate The climate during winter is not as cold as the climate in the northern regions of Georgia. Snow is rare in winter. Summers are hot and humid with many thunderstorms.

Piedmont Region Plants, Crops, and Other Natural Resources Hardwood Pine Trees Marble Streams and Rivers Granite

Piedmont Region Wildlife Deer Raccoons Coyotes Foxes Squirrels Groundhogs Other Wildlife Exists

Valley and Ridge Region

Valley and Ridge Region Landforms The Valley and Ridge Region has long parallel ridges overlooking wide, rolling valleys. Standing and looking from a valley’s point of view, the ridges appear to be mountains. Many valley floors are used for farming and for pasture land.

Valley and Ridge Region Climate The Valley and Ridge Region receives a cooler climate in the winter months and a warm climate during the summer months. Light snow and ice may occur sporadically during the winter months.

Valley and Ridge Region Plants, Crops, and Other Natural Resources A variety of crops can successfully grow in the Valley and Ridge Region. The crops include: corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton. The soil is rich and well suited for farmland. Much of the land is used for pasture and harvesting hardwood and pine timber.

Valley and Ridge Region Wildlife Foxes Deer Raccoons Squirrels Groundhogs Coyotes Bobcats Rabbits

Appalachian Plateau Region The smallest region located in the northwestern tip of Georgia

Appalachian Plateau Region Landforms A plateau is an area of flat or gently sloping land that rises high over valleys and low-lying areas.

Appalachian Plateau Region Climate Colder climate in the winter months Warm, nice summers

Appalachian Plateau Region Plants, Crops and Other Natural Resources Sedimentary rock Sandstone Limestone Hardwood forest Pasture land Coal Forests Rhododendrons Native azaleas Mountain Laurel

Appalachian Plateau Region Wildlife Foxes Deer Raccoons Squirrels Groundhogs Coyotes Bobcats Rabbits Mountain Lions

Blue Ridge Mountains Region The Blue Ridge Region is in the northeastern portion of Georgia. Highest elevations in Georgia

Blue Ridge Mountains Region Landforms The Blue Ridge Mountains consists of mountains, ridges, and basins. The Blue Ridge Mountain Region is a part of the Appalachian Mountains that stretches northward to southern Pennsylvania. Many large rivers begin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers)

Blue Ridge Mountains Region Climate Cool winters with greater chances of snow fall Mild summers

Blue Ridge Mountains Region Plants, Crops and Other Natural Resources There is not as much farmland in the Blue Ridge Mountains Region because of the mountains and valleys. Hardwood timber Mountain Laurel Azaleas Apples Gold and Gems Streams and rivers

Blue Ridge Mountains Region Wildlife Black Bears Deer Foxes Coyotes Mountain Lions Bobcats Raccoons Wild turkey Trout