Geography of Georgia Locations, Regions, Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee & Savannah Rivers, Barrier Islands, Climate, Importance of Georgia’s deep water ports, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Major Interstate Highways, and Rail Roads.

Georgia’s Location Northern & Western Hemispheres North America United States South South Eastern States Georgia

5 Regions of Georgia Coastal Plain Piedmont Appalachian Plateau Ridge & Valley Blue Ridge

Coastal Plain Covers all of GA south of the Fall Line, 60% of the state Navel Stores, Pine Tree Products, Seafood Industry along coast Phosphate, fuller’s earth, limestone, kaolin, bauxite 54’ – 77’

Coastal Plain Fall Line is interior boundary, and the Atlantic Ocean is the southeastern boundary. River travel is possible to Fall Line. Flat, low relief; no steep hills or rocks, some wetlands; clay, sand, and limestone soil. Pine Barrens and Okefenokee Swamp found here. Peanuts, Peaches, Pecans

Piedmont Located between Coastal Plain and mountain in north; 30% of state Rolling hills and valleys; areas of solid rock; red clay soil; many streams and rivers cross the region

Piedmont Industries Cotton, soybeans, wheat, beef and dairy cattle, poultry, pine trees. Industrial/business center of state Granite, feldspar, mica, gold, marble

Ridge & Valley Appalachian Plateau Smallest region; in the far NW corner of GA Flat or gently sloping land with high relief over valleys. Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain are here. Small amount of corn and soybeans grown here; hardwoods and pasture land Iron and Coal Located in NW GA between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau Low parallel ridges of sandstone overlooking valleys; elevation between 700 – 1600 feet above sea level. Corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, hardwoods, and pine. Textile industries

Blue Ridge Located in northeast GA Mountainous; high amount of rainfall; Numerous rivers start here (Chattahoochee); short growing season. Brasstown Bald Appalachian Trail Apples, corn, vegetables, hardwood timber, such as oak and hickory Feldspar, mica, gold, marble

Fall Line River travel is possible to Fall Line. Elevation drops at the Fall Line causing rivers to pick up speed. First industries developed along the Fall Line for hydroelectric power.

Okefenokee Swamp Wetlands and swamp in South Georgia. Largest freshwater wetland in the state. Provides a unique nature preserve for alligators, snakes, armadillos, frogs, etc.

Appalachian Mountains Served as a natural barrier for settlement in Georgia’s early days. Higher in elevation. Provides a tourism industry.

Chattahoochee & Savannah Rivers Chattahoochee is the Western border for Georgia. Savannah is the Eastern border for Georgia. Much of our water is carried by the Chattahoochee. Settlement in Georgia began on the Savannah River.

Barrier Islands Chain of 9 coastal islands along Georgia’s coast with the Atlantic Ocean. Serves Industry with deep water ports, tourism and seafood. Provides a barrier for the coast, a unique ecosystem. Provides a national wildlife sanctuary on Cumberland Island.

Georgia’s Climate Mild climate attracts business and citizens to settle in Georgia. Mild winters, average rainfall make agriculture a major industry in GA. Climate has also attracted many military training centers.

Georgia’s Transportation Systems Deep Water Ports of Savannah and Brunswick Extensive Rail Network Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Major Interstates of 75, 85, 20, 95

Georgia’s Transportation Systems: What do they do for us? Link Georgia with National and International Markets Georgia companies such as Home Depot, Delta, Chick-Fila, Georgia Pacific, Coca-Cola and UPS call GA home & utilize our transportation systems for their successful businesses. Jobs for Georgians – maintaining facilities, economy surrounding the transportation systems.