1. Appalachian Mountains
Georgia’s Key Physical Features
Appalachian Mountains
The Fall Line
Barrier Islands
Okefenokee Swamp

2. The Fall Line Elevation drops & creates waterfalls
Natural Boundary; Separates the Piedmont and Coastal Plain
Early settlers found waterfalls a source of power
Stretches from Columbus, through Macon, into Augusta
Prehistoric ocean shoreline
Location of mining operations; kaolin – clay used in paints, rubber, cement, fertilizers – most important use in paper (gloss)

3. Okefenokee Swamp Located in Coastal Plain
It is a freshwater wetland; home to prehistoric Indians
Pioneers move here & herded cattle, fished and hunted
Railroads appeared around & sawmills, turpentine stills and stores sprang up
Logging became a big industry until 1929 when it became a National Wildlife Refuge

4. Appalachian Mountains
Stretch from Canada in the NE to Alabama in the SW
Large areas of commercial forests
Marble industry one of the largest employers.
Coal is found in this region; $1.6 billion a year
Popular tourist spot

5. Chattahoochee River 436 miles from North Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico
Southern section is border between GA & Alabama
Alabama
Georgia
Home of Prehistoric Native Americans – food source and travel
Florida
Industrial power source & water source
Lake Sidney Lanier is a reservoir on the river – Georgia’s largest city, Atlanta gets its drinking water from this river system

6. Savannah River 314 miles; border between Georgia & South Carolina
Important seaport; industrial power source
Attracted early settlers and industry as Georgia grew

7. Barrier Islands
Chain of sea islands; form a wall that blocks waves and winds from hitting the mainland
Recreation & tourism boosts Georgia’s economy

8. Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
1,000 mile inland waterway that runs from New York to Miami, Florida
Important shipping lane for cargo ships

9. Georgia’s Ports Savannah & Brunswick are major deepwater ports
Savannah’s seaport concentrates on containerized cargo
Brunswick’s seaport concentrates on auto shipping, farm machinery and luxury tour buses
Exceeds $1.8 Billion in yearly income & over 81,000 jobs

10. Major Lakes Most of Georgia’s lakes are manmade.
Lakes provide hydroelectric power, water storage reservoirs & recreation facilities.

11. Georgia’s Water Supply
North Georgia does not have easily accessible groundwater due to the bedrock.
North Georgia relies on surface water; reservoirs (holding tanks) constructed to help water needs
Southern half of Georgia has groundwater; stored in underground layers of rocks & gravel called aquifers.
Water is not an endless resource; conservation is important.