Geography of GeorgiaLocations, Regions, Fall Line,

Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee & Savannah

Rivers, Barrier Islands, Climate, Importance of Georgia’s deep water

ports, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Major Interstate Highways,

and Rail Roads.

Georgia’s LocationNorthern & Western HemispheresNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouthSouth Eastern StatesGeorgia

5 Regions of GeorgiaCoastal PlainPiedmontAppalachian Plateau

Ridge & Valley

Blue Ridge

Coastal PlainCovers all of GA

south of the Fall Line, 60% of the state

Navel Stores, Pine Tree Products, Seafood Industry along coast

Phosphate, fuller’s earth, limestone, kaolin, bauxite

54’ – 77’

Coastal PlainFall Line is interior

boundary, and the Atlantic Ocean is the southeastern boundary.

River travel is possible to Fall Line.

Flat, low relief; no steep hills or rocks, some wetlands; clay, sand, and limestone soil.

Pine Barrens and Okefenokee Swamp found here. Peanuts, Peaches, Pecans

PiedmontLocated between

Coastal Plain and mountain in north; 30% of state

Rolling hills and valleys; areas of solid rock; red clay soil; many streams and rivers cross the region

Piedmont IndustriesCotton, soybeans,

wheat, beef and dairy cattle, poultry, pine trees.

Industrial/business center of state

Granite, feldspar, mica, gold, marble

Ridge & Valley Appalachian Plateau

Located in NW GA between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau

Low parallel ridges of sandstone overlooking valleys; elevation between 700 – 1600 feet above sea level.

Corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, hardwoods, and pine.

Textile industries

Smallest region; in the far NW corner of GA

Flat or gently sloping land with high relief over valleys. Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain are here.

Small amount of corn and soybeans grown here; hardwoods and pasture land

Iron and Coal

Blue RidgeLocated in northeast GAMountainous; high

amount of rainfall; Numerous rivers start

here (Chattahoochee); short growing season.

Brasstown Bald Appalachian TrailApples, corn, vegetables,

hardwood timber, such as oak and hickory

Feldspar, mica, gold, marble

Fall LineRiver travel is

possible to Fall Line.

Elevation drops at the Fall Line causing rivers to pick up speed.

First industries developed along the Fall Line for hydroelectric power.

Okefenokee SwampWetlands and

swamp in South Georgia.

Largest freshwater wetland in the state.

Provides a unique nature preserve for alligators, snakes, armadillos, frogs, etc.

Appalachian MountainsServed as a

natural barrier for settlement in Georgia’s early days.

Higher in elevation.

Provides a tourism industry.

Chattahoochee & Savannah RiversChattahoochee is the Western

border for Georgia. Savannah is the Eastern border for

Georgia. Much of our water is carried by the

Chattahoochee. Settlement in Georgia began on the

Savannah River.

Barrier IslandsChain of 9 coastal

islands along Georgia’s coast with the Atlantic Ocean.

Serves Industry with deep water ports, tourism and seafood.

Provides a barrier for the coast, a unique ecosystem.

Provides a national wildlife sanctuary on Cumberland Island.

Georgia’s ClimateMild climate attracts business and citizens to settle in Georgia.

Mild winters, average rainfall make agriculture a major industry in GA.

Climate has also attracted many military training centers.

Georgia’s Transportation SystemsDeep Water

Ports of Savannah and Brunswick

Extensive Rail Network

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Major Interstates of 75, 85, 20, 95

Link Georgia with National and International Markets

Georgia companies such as Home Depot, Delta, Chick-Fila, Georgia Pacific, Coca-Cola and UPS call GA home & utilize our transportation systems for their successful businesses.

Jobs for Georgians – maintaining facilities, economy surrounding the transportation systems.

Georgia’s Transportation Systems: What do they do for us?