The 5 Major Physiographic Regions

Major Regions of Georgia

Appalachian Plateau

Appalachian PlateauSmallest RegionFar northwest corner A maze of limestone, deep canyons, and interesting rock formationsTAG CornerSometimes referred to the Cumberland Plateau

Most scenic but less traveledContains the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military ParkBeginning of the Appalachian Trail

Blue Ridge

Blue RidgeKnown for its rugged beautyAbout 2000 square milesHighest and largest groups of mountainsThe first barrier to warm, moist air rising from the Gulf of Mexico

Precipitation can exceed 80 inches a yearBrasstown Bald is located hereLandmarks include Tallulah Gorge and the alpine community of Helen

Ridge and Valley

Ridge and ValleyLow open valleys and narrow ridgesFlat fertile farmlands with fields of grain, pastures for cattle and rows of apple orchardsElevation ranges from 700 to 1600 feet above sea level

Known for its industry, particularly textile and carpet manufacturingDalton, known as the “carpet capital of the world”

Piedmont

PiedmontBegins in the mountain foothills of northern GeorgiaGently 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 stateOther type of soil: “red” clay½ of the state’s populationCotton belt of antebellum daysBusiness and industry flourishDensely populated

Coastal Plain

Coastal PlainLargest: occupies 3/5 of stateInner Coastal:Mild climate & good supply of underground waterSoil: limestone to clayVidalia Upland: onionsDougherty Plain: peanuts, corn, & pecans

Outer Coastal:Does not have drained soil nor fertile farmlandsCenter of naval stores & pulp productionFlat and in some areas swampy or marshyOkefenokee SwampBarrier islands2/3 of barrier islands’ land remain wilderness sanctuaries

Appalachian Mountains

Rivers

• Chatahoochee

• Savannah

• Flint

• Ocmulgee

• Oconee

• Altamaha

• Ogeechee