Georgia’s Natural Resources

Water Resources North Georgia does not have major underground sources of water. –Underground sources found south of the Fall Line

Reservoirs To meet the growing demand for water in north Georgia, reservoirs (large artificial lakes) and smaller lakes have been built. –Problems  where to build, how to protect & who will pay »Reservoirs in Dalton, Ga. Pictured above

Water Cycle Groundwater stored in porous ground (limestone, and sedimentary ground) Aquifers are water-saturated layers of earth. –From rainfall –2 Types Surface – from water table Artesian – deeper Most of north Ga. Depends on surface water –In rivers, streams, lakes and ponds

Water Cycle

Georgia’s Rivers & Streams Georgia has 20,000 miles of rivers and streams Georgia’s rivers generally flow from north to south due to drop in elevation from north to south Georgia slopes to the southeast –Rivers & streams are pulled towards the sea

Characteristics of Georgia Rivers North of Fall Line –More shallow & narrow –Numerous rapids & waterfalls Water power along fall line important fact in settlement

Georgia Lakes 4 out of 5 Georgians live within 40 miles of a major freshwater lake. –Most have been built as reservoirs

Rocks & Minerals Native Indians used quartz and other stones for weapons Gold Kaolin –Used in many products Marble –Tate House in Jasper, Ga.

Georgia’s Weather & Climate Weather –Conditions in the atmosphere Air Clouds Gasses around earth Affects whether we go to the beach today or tomorrow Climate –Average weather conditions over time At least 25 to 30 years Determines what kind of crops a farmer will plant

Weather & Climate continued Climate important to creation of Georgia –Same latitude as China, India, Persia (Iran) and Palestine English thought that Georgia could grow or produce the same things as these countries –Wine, silk, rice, tea, olives, oranges, cotton & indigo Geographic Location = climate –Near Atlantic Ocean & Gulf of Mexico –On eastern edge of continent –Closeness to Equator Hot summers, mild winters, and (usually) abundant rainfall

The Importance of Precipitation In Georgia How does rain and snow impact Georgia’s economy? Precipitation is critical for farmers, industries, & homeowners. Explain! In Georgia, the central & southern regions receive 40 – 52 inches of rain per year. In the mountain region receives 65 – 70 inches. July is the wettest month of the year; October is the driest month of the year. Droughts – lack of precipitation. How does this affect Georgia????

Weather Phenomena Hurricanes –August – November Tornadoes –Georgia averages 19 per year Air Currents –“Trade Winds” helped explorers & merchants –“Prevailing Westerlies” Helped carry ships from America to Europe –Jet Stream Brings cold air into Ga. Ocean Currents –Movements of water masses in the ocean Gulf Stream  warm; helps with mild winters

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