GEORGIAS GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE SS 8 CG 1

GEORGIA’S GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE SS 8 CG 1 Describe Georgia’s geography and climate

SS 8 CG 1 a- Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres Region- Georgia is located in the southeastern United States Country- United States Continent- North America

SS 8 CG 1 a- Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres Georgia is located in the Northern (latitude) and Western (longitude) Hemispheres

SS 8 G 1 b- Distinguish among the five geographic regions of Georgia in terms of location, climate, agriculture, and economic contributions

The Appalachian Plateau Region • Location- Northwest GA, known as the TAG corner (borders Tennessee and Alabama), smallest region • Physical Characteristics- Flat or gently sloping land sitting above surrounding valleys • Climate- Cooler temps due to its higher elevations (rarely gets above 90 degrees during the summer) • Agriculture- limited due to poor soil (some corn and soybeans are produced. • Economic contributions- Tourism and industry with some coal production

Pictures of the Appalachian Plateau

The Valley and Ridge Region • Location: Northern GA, lies between the Appalachian Plateau and Blue Ridge regions • Physical Characteristics- Long, parallel ridges separated by wide, fertile valleys • Climate- Cooler temps due to its higher elevation, similar to the Appalachian Plateau • Agriculture- Corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton • Economic contributions- Textile and carpets (Dalton)

Pictures of the Valley and Ridge Region

Blue Ridge • Location- Northeastern corner of the state • Physical characteristics- Blue Ridge Mountains, Brasstown Bald is GA’s highest point (4, 784 feet above sea level) • Climate- High elevation makes it cooler during the summer. Highest amounts of precipitation in the state • Agriculture- Small farms produce apples, corn, and vegetables • Economic contributions- Historically-mining Todaytourism

Blue Ridge Region Pictures

Piedmont Region (where we live) • Location- central part of the state (2 nd largest region), Atlanta is located in this region • Physical Characteristics- Gently rolling hills, major rivers, red clay • Climate- hot summers, cool winters (can snow) • Agriculture- Significant crops include cotton, soybeans, and wheat. Poultry is important to the region • Economic contributions- Timber, industry, automobile manufacturing

Piedmont Pictures

Coastal Plain Region • Location- Southernmost region in the state • Physical Characteristics- Largest region, flat land, major rivers, fertile soil • Climate- hot, steamy summers and cool winters. Snowfall less likely • Agriculture- peanuts, peaches, pecans, cotton, soybeans, and Vidalia onions. Pine trees are harvested • Economic contributions- pulp and paper industry, commercial fishing, tourism. Deepwater ports of Savannah and Brunswick

Coastal Plain pictures

SS 8 CG 1 c- 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

Fall Line • Natural boundary that separates the Piedmont and Coastal Plain Regions • Waterfalls are found here due to the drop in elevation • Columbus, Macon and Augusta are located hererapidly flowing rivers= source of energy • Mills were located here

Okefenokee Swamp • Largest freshwater swamp in North America • Located in SE GA • Many American Indian tribes lived here throughout history • One of the world’s largest intact fresh water ecosystems

Appalachian Mountains • Located in north GA • Produce high rainfall patterns in the spring and summer and frequent snowfalls during the winter • Major rivers begin in these mountains • Tourism is important to this region

Chattahoochee River • Begins in the Blue Ridge Region, forms part of the border with Alabama. • Food and water source • Primary water source and recreation activities for millions of Georgians

Savannah River • Forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina • Source of water, food, and transportation for thousands of years • Primary water source for Savannah and Augusta • Generate hydroelectric power

Barrier Islands • Chain of islands off the coastline of Georgia • Protect the mainland beaches from wind (hurricanes) and water erosion • Tourist and recreation areas today

SS 8 G 1 d- Analyze the importance of water in Georgia’s historical development and economic growth

Importance of water in GA • Much of GA’s boundaries are bodies of water • People have used water for transportation, food, and water sources • Rivers have been used for “highways” for trade.