SS8G1 The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location. b. Describe the five geographic regions of Georgia; include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain. c. Locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands. Geographic Regions of Georgia

Let’s Discuss…. Compare and Contrast these pictures. What do these pictures tell you about the different physiogeographic regions of Georgia?

5 Regions of Georgia Appalachian Plateau Ridge and Valley Blue Ridge Piedmont Coastal Plain The characteristics of each region make unique contributions to our state.

Appalachian Plateau Our smallest region. Known as the TAG corner(Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia) Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain are in this region. Here we see ridges of limestone & a long narrow valley in between Our only significant coal deposits are in this region. Agriculture in the area is limited.

Ridge and Valley Lower elevation than Appalachian Plateau Low open valleys and narrow ridges Soil good for crops such as grain and apples (Ellijay is the apple capital of Georgia!) Industry includes textiles and carpet (Dalton is the carpet capital of the WORLD!)

Blue Ridge Highest mountains in the state Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest point. Dahlonega is the site of America’s first Gold Rush!

Blue Ridge Provides water for the entire state through precipitation (over 80 inches per year.) Beginning of Appalachian Trail, home to Amicalola Falls, Tallulah Gorge, and the town of Helen. See it while you can. Erosion continues to wear down the height of the mountains.

Blue Ridge Images Brasstown Bald: You can see 3 states from this point. Helen, Georgia has a strong German influence. Why do you think that is? Amicalola Falls

Piedmont Begins in the mountain foothills of North Georgia and goes to the central part of the state. Also known as the “Foot of the Mountain” You live in the Piedmont region. Granite based foundation (What’s our largest granite outcropping?)

Piedmont Soil is sandy loam and red clay suitable for growing hardwoods, pine, and agriculture. Some of the most densely populated cities are crossed by Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, and Oconee rivers. Manufacturing is important in this region

Piedmont Images Piedmont is the most populated region in Georgia. Fayetteville is in the Piedmont region.

Coastal Plain There are two parts to Georgia’s coastal plain: The Inner Coastal Plain which is the agricultural heartland of the state The Outer Coastal Plain is home to the oldest city, Savannah. Which color do you think represents the Inner Coastal Plain and which color represents the Outer Coastal Plain?

Coastal Plain and The Fall Line This is the largest region in Georgia. The Fall Line separates the Piedmont region from the Coastal Plain region. * Where hilly land meets the coastal plain * Runs from Columbus through Macon to Augusta * Prevented exploration but created living areas for settlers

The Coastal Plain Deep harbors and ports are important to Georgia’s economy and transportation systems. Barrier islands provide for tourism and recreation as well as the fishing industry. Location of Georgia’s first settlements. Home to the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest swamp in North America.

Coastal Plain Region

The Chattahoochee River This river forms part of the border between Alabama and Georgia. Early Native Americans as well as European settlers used this river as a food and water source. Today it is used primarily as a water source for the Piedmont area as well as for industry and recreation.

Chattahoochee River

The Savannah River This river forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina. It flows to the Atlantic Ocean. A source of water, food and transportation for thousands of years. It is the only river that flows INTO Georgia from another State.

Savannah River

Appalachian Mountains The southernmost point of this mountain range is located in Georgia. These mountains run through the Blue Ridge region, the Ridge and Valley region and the Appalachian Plateau. In the south we often call these mountains the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Barrier Islands They protect the mainland from wind and water erosion by blocking the wind, sands and water that could cause erosion. They are located in the Coastal Plain region. These islands are mainly used for recreational activities. The Spanish set up missions on these islands in the 1500’s.

Physical Features map 1.Okefenokee Swamp 2.Brasstown Bald 3.Appalachian Mountains 4.Savannah River 5.Chattahoochee River 6.St. Mary’s River 7.Barrier Islands

Climate Hurricanes and Tornadoes are the most dangerous aspect of Georgia’s climate. The continental shelf off of our coast helps to move hurricanes northward. Georgia’s climate allows for many agricultural and recreational opportunities. Georgia’s mild climate attracts businesses to our state.

Things to Know! The majority of our rivers flow Southwest. The Okefenokee is the largest fresh water marsh in North America. North Georgia has little ground water because the precipitation can not soak into the hard bedrock. The waterfalls of the Fall Line were difficult to travel over. A wetland is a low lying area where water lies close to the surface.