Physical Georgia Geography of our state

Where We Are

Georgia’s Location We are in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. Our continent is North America. Our country is the United States. Our region is the Southeast.

Physical Regions in Georgia

The Coastal Plain Once covered by ocean. Largest physiographic region. Lower Coastal Plain- Poor soils for agriculture. Upper Coastal Plain-Rich soils for agriculture- (cotton, soybeans, and peanuts)

Coastal Plain Agriculture and tourism

The Piedmont Means “at the foot of the mountains.” Where almost half the population lives. Major Cities: Atlanta, Columbus, Athens, Augusta. Characterized by rolling hills. Granite and marble are mined.

Atlanta and Stone Mountain

The Blue Ridge Mountains A Part of Appalachian Mountains. Brings tourism and timber products. Appalachian Trail-Starts in Georgia and ends in Maine. Brasstown Bald-Georgia’s highest mountain at 4786 ft. Most precipitation

The AT and Blue Ridge Mtns

Valley and Ridge Rich soil in valleys grows fruits, grains and vegetables. Known for textile and carpet manufacturing.

Carpet and Farms

The Appalachian Plateau Smallest physiographic region. Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga. Land used for hardwood forest and pasture.

Lookout Mountain

The Fall Line Separates coastal plain and piedmont. Many waterfalls along rivers of coastal plain. Numerous cities such as Augusta , Macon and Columbus grew up where rivers crossed it. Kaolin, a white clay used in paints and porcelain is found there.

Okefenokee Swamp Largest swamp in North America covers 700 square miles of Southeast Georgia. It is a National Wildlife Refuge that protects a unique and healthy ecosystem.

Chattahoochee River Important for drinking water, recreation, and hydroelectric power. Powered Atlanta mills during Civil War era. Water rights are disputed between Georgia, Alabama and Florida

Savannah River Boundary between South Carolina and Georgia. Savannah is one of the nation’s busiest ports. Important for drinking water, recreation, and hydroelectric power.

Barrier Islands Form a barrier between the mainland and the ocean. Protect the coast from major storms like hurricanes. Tourists come to the many resorts and beaches.

Climate in Georgia Mild climate-Cool winters and warm summers. Coastal Plain and Piedmont are more humid and tropical. Blue Ridge Mountains are cooler and get most rain. Rainiest season are summer and winter.

Impact of Climate on Georgia Climate-Average weather condition over long period of time. Mild climate encourages year round agriculture such as cotton, forestry and chickens. Mild climate brings major tourism to the state.