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

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)

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 1830 & sawmills, turpentine stills and stores sprang up Logging became a big industry until 1929 when it became a National Wildlife Refuge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.