UNIT 1 Georgia Geography UNIT 1 ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How can I describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location?

UNIT 1 (SS8G1) DESCRIBE GEORGIA’S GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE LOCATION GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS PHYSICAL FEATURES

SS8G1a Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres. Concept: LOCATION

Where in the World is Georgia? Which hemispheres? Which continent? Which nation? Which region?

Georgia is in the Northern & Western hemispheres

Georgia is on the North American continent

Georgia is in the United States of America

Georgia is in the Southeast region of the USA

SS8G1b Distinguish among the five geographic regions of Georgia in terms of location, climate, agriculture, and economic contributions.

GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF GEORGIA Essential Question #2: Where are the five regions of Georgia, and how are they similar and different?

What are the five geographic regions of Georgia? - Appalachian Plateau - Valley and Ridge - Blue Ridge Mountains - Piedmont - Coastal Plains

APPALACHIAN PLATEAU Descriptions: Georgia’s smallest region located in the northwest corner of the state (known as the TAG corner – connects with TN & AL) Flat or gently sloping land Poor soil for farming – corn & soybeans

APPALACHIAN PLATEAU Descriptions: Climate – cooler temps due to higher elevation Site of Lookout Mountain and Cloudland Canyon Contains Georgia’s only coal deposits; lots of caves

APPALACHIAN PLATEAU Descriptions: Economics- tourism and forestry; coal and limestone

VALLEY and RIDGE Description: Located in northern region of the state between Appalachian Plateau and Blue Ridge Mountain regions Dalton, GA is the “carpet capital of the world;” lots of caves

VALLEY and RIDGE Long ridges separated by wide, fertile valleys Description: Long ridges separated by wide, fertile valleys Climate – similar to Appalachian Plateau – cooler temps due to higher elevation Lots of hardwood and evergreen forests

VALLEY and RIDGE Description: 4% of valleys is farmed/used as pastures; crops – corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton; hardwood and pine timber Economics – textiles, carpets, mining

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS Located in northeast corner of Georgia Description: Located in northeast corner of Georgia Part of the Appalachian Mountains Site of Brasstown Bald – GA’s highest peak at 4,784 feet Beginning of the Appalachian Trail is Springer Mountain

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS Description: Climate - Most precipitation due to high elevation (80 inches/year)– source of Savannah & Chattahoochee Rivers; cooler weather

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS Description: Agriculture – small farms produce apples, corn, vegetables; pastures for animals Economics – mining (gold); timber; tourism

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS 1st Gold rush in America (Dahlonega) Description: 1st Gold rush in America (Dahlonega) Waterfalls such as Amicalola Falls, Toccoa Falls, and Tallulah Gorge

PIEDMONT 2nd largest region making up 1/3 of the land Description: 2nd largest region making up 1/3 of the land Most populated region of Georgia (Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Augusta) Bordered to the south by the Fall Line

PIEDMONT Rolling hills & major rivers; red clay Description: Rolling hills & major rivers; red clay Climate – steamy and hot; possible snow; tornadoes Agriculture - Cotton, wheat, soybeans; poultry/eggs, hogs, cattle/beef

PIEDMONT Description: Economics – timber; highly industrialized; carpet milling, aircraft and auto manufacturing, poultry processing

COASTAL PLAINS Southernmost region Makes up 60% of the state Description: Southernmost region Makes up 60% of the state Can be divided into two regions – Inner Coastal Plain and Outer Coastal Plain Inner – western part; agricultural heartland Outer – coast of GA and Okefenokee Swamp

COASTAL PLAINS Description: Once the bottom of the ocean floor – sandy soil in south, fertile soil in north Flat landscape / major navigable rivers Climate – hot, steamy summers; cool winters

COASTAL PLAINS Description: Agriculture – Inner - fertile soil; peanuts, peaches, soybeans, cotton, Vidalia onions, pecans; Outer – less fertile, but has pine trees Economics – pulp and paper; fishing and seafood processing; tourism and recreation; deep-water ports

COASTAL PLAINS Description: Barrier Islands protect mainland GA from hurricanes; tornadoes have been destructive recently

Look at the map key. Which color represents the high elevation of mountains? Which part of the state is highest in elevation? What direction do many of the rivers flow?

SS8G1c Locate key physical features of Georgia and explain their importance; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands. Concept: LOCATION

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF GEORGIA Essential Question #3: Where in the state of Georgia are you able to find the Fall Line, Okefenokee swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and the barrier islands?

What are some of the physical features of Georgia? Appalachian Mtns What are some of the physical features of Georgia? Fall Line Savannah River Chattahoochee River Okefenokee Swamp Barrier Islands

What and where is the FALL LINE? Natural boundary that separates the Piedmont and Coastal Plains regions Zone several miles wide marking prehistoric ocean shoreline

What and where is the FALL LINE? Augusta, Macon, & Columbus were built along Fall Line due to their location as the last navigable upstream points in the state. Historically, waterfalls were used to create power

What and where is the OKEFENOKEE SWAMP? Covers 700 square miles and located in 4 counties The largest swamp in North America Used to be a major source of timber

What and where is the OKEFENOKEE SWAMP? Rich ecosystem with over 1,100 species of plants and animals Okefenokee comes from the Choctaw meaning, "Land of Trembling Earth“ Seminole lived here and fought 2 wars against the U.S.

What and where is the OKEFENOKEE SWAMP? 30 employees maintain this natural region for the 40,000 yearly visitors Primary emphasis is on protecting wildlife and habitat

What and where are the APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS? Located in the northern three regions of Georgia (Appalachian Plateau, Ridge & Valley, and Blue Ridge Mountains) Are the oldest mountains in North America

What and where are the APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS? Receives the most precipitation in the state due to higher elevations Starting point of many of Georgia’s rivers Tourism - Site of famous Appalachian Trail

What and where is the CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER? Forms part of the boundary line between Georgia and Alabama Starts in the Blue Ridge region and flows into the Gulf of Mexico

What and where is the CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER? Water is used for farming, industry, recreation, and drinking supply Current lawsuits from Alabama and Florida over water rights

What and where is the SAVANNAH RIVER? Forms a boundary between Georgia and South Carolina Starts in Hart County (Lake Hartwell) and flows into the Atlantic Ocean

What and where is the SAVANNAH RIVER? Source of water, food, irrigation, transportation, cools nuclear power plants, recreation Generates hydroelectric power; navigable for shipping from Savannah to Augusta

What and where are the BARRIER ISLANDS? AKA – Sea Islands or Golden Isles Sandy islands off coast Site of Jekyll, Cumberland, Tybee, St. Simons, and many other islands (14 total)

What and where are the BARRIER ISLANDS? Some are wildlife refuges, some have been developed, and some are privately owned Location of the Spanish missions Plantations grew rice and indigo Tourism and recreation Fishing and paper industries

What and where are the BARRIER ISLANDS? Saltwater wetlands along coast are vital to the food chain Provide protection for the mainland from storms & waves Site of Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway

SS8G1d Analyze the importance of water in Georgia’s historical development and economic growth Concept: LOCATION

How has water impacted GA? The Chattahoochee River, the Savannah River, and the St. Mary’s River create natural boundaries Historically used for food and transportation Water was/is needed for crops Rice was the first staple crop in the Coastal Plains; rice grows in marshy areas Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are extremely important for our economy (deep water ports)

How has water impacted GA? During the Civil War, control of rivers determined economic success or failure Steamboats eventually moved people and goods Man made lakes have controlled flooding, created electricity, and are used recreationally. Today – pollution concerns; water wars with other states; drought conditions; shifting courses of rivers