The 5 Major Physiographic Regions

Major Regions of Georgia

Appalachian Plateau

Smallest Region Far northwest corner A maze of limestone, deep canyons, and interesting rock formations TAG Corner Sometimes referred to the Cumberland Plateau Most scenic but less traveled Contains the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Beginning of the Appalachian Trail

Blue Ridge

Known for its rugged beauty About 2000 square miles Highest and largest groups of mountains The first barrier to warm, moist air rising from the Gulf of Mexico Precipitation can exceed 80 inches a year Brasstown Bald is located here Landmarks include Tallulah Gorge and the alpine community of Helen

Ridge and Valley

Low open valleys and narrow ridges Flat fertile farmlands with fields of grain, pastures for cattle and rows of apple orchards Elevation ranges from 700 to 1600 feet above sea level Known for its industry, particularly textile and carpet manufacturing Dalton, known as the “carpet capital of the world”

Piedmont

Begins in the mountain foothills of northern Georgia Gently sloping hills and valleys in the north and flatlands in the south “heartland” of the state Means “foot of the mountain” Granite-based landform makes up about a third of the state Other type of soil: “red” clay ½ of the state’s population Cotton belt of antebellum days Business and industry flourish Densely populated

Coastal Plain

Largest: occupies 3/5 of state Inner Coastal: Mild climate & good supply of underground water Soil: limestone to clay Vidalia Upland: onions Dougherty Plain: peanuts, corn, & pecans Outer Coastal: Does not have drained soil nor fertile farmlands Center of naval stores & pulp production Flat and in some areas swampy or marshy Okefenokee Swamp Barrier islands 2/3 of barrier islands’ land remain wilderness sanctuaries

Appalachian Mountains

Rivers Chatahoochee Savannah Flint Ocmulgee Oconee Altamaha Ogeechee