GACE Study Guide
SS2G1 The student will locate major topographical features of Georgia and will
describe how these features define Georgia’s surface.
a. Locate all the geographic regions of Georgia: Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont,
Coastal Plain, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau.
b. Locate the major rivers: Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altamaha, Savannah, St. Mary’s,
Chattahoochee, and Flint.
Geographic Regions
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are located in Northeast Georgia.
These mountains are the state’s highest mountain range. They
are called “Blue Ridge” because the peaks are often wrapped in a
“blue haze.” The Blue Ridge Mountains also contain gorges and
canyons. Mammals include black bears, turkeys, wild boars,
whitetail deer, and many others. Bluegrass music was started in
this region. The Blue Ridge Mountains run from Georgia (where
they are very wide) up to Virginia (where they are very narrow).
There is a variety of vegetation due to the differences in elevation.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1160&hl=y
Piedmont
The Piedmont is located between the Coastal Plains and the Blue
Ridge Mountains. It is located in the northern half of Georgia. The
Piedmont region is made up of rolling hills and a few mountains.
These mountains are typically located by themselves and not in a
chain. Georgia’s capital, Atlanta, is located in the Piedmont region.
Rivers and ravines are also found in the Piedmont region. The Piedmont region
stretches from Virginia to Texas. Trees in the Piedmont region include oaks,
hickories, and pines.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1162&hl=y
Coastal Plains
The Coastal Plains take up the southern half of the state of Georgia.
This region is mostly made up of low, flat land. There are some
rolling hills throughout this area. But nothing like that in the other
regions of Georgia. The Coastal Plain extends all the way out to the
Atlantic Ocean on the Georgia coast, containing both beaches and
marshes. The climate is that of mild winters and hot summers. Trees
include pines, oaks, Sweet Gum, magnolias, Red Bay, Cyprus, Red Maple and Pignut
Hickory.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1161&hl=y
Valley and Ridge
The Valley and Ridge region lies in the northwestern part of Georgia.
As the name implies, this region is made up of a series of valleys and
ridges. This region is bordered by the Piedmont in the south, the Blue
Ridge Mountains in the east, and the Appalachian Plateau in the
northwest. This region reaches from New York to Alabama. The Great Valley, a
chain of valley lowlands stretching from Quebec to Alabama, is major landform not
only in Georgia but also in North America.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1163&sug=y
Appalachian Plateau
The Appalachian Plateau is located in the northwestern tip of Georgia.
This plateau runs from New York to Alabama. The land of the Appalachian
Plateau is a series of mountainous chains. Lookout Mountain and Sand
Mountains are the two main features of this region. Oak trees and
evergreens are the main trees of this region. The Appalachian Plateau is a
great area for hikers. The area’s climate is that of mild summers and mild winters,
so it stays pretty cool year round. Animals such as whitetail deer, bears, and
common animals like squirrels can be found in this region.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-3561&hl=y
Major Rivers
Ocmulgee River
The Ocmulgee River forms the westernmost tributary of the
Altamaha River. The Ocmulgee River stretches through the
Piedmont and Costal Plains regions where it hits the Georgia coast
in Darien, Georgia. The Ocmulgee River flows through Macon on
its way to the coast.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2835
Oconee River
The Oconee River begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows into
the Altamaha River. The Oconee River merges with the Ocmulgee River
to form the Altamaha River. The Oconee River flows through Athens,
Milledgeville, and Dublin.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/SearchResult.jsp
Altamaha River
The Altamaha River is formed by the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers. It
flows into the Atlantic Ocean in Darien, Georgia. The Altamaha River is
the third largest contributor of freshwater to the Atlantic Ocean.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2834&hl=y
Savannah River
The Savannah River flows through the Blue Ridge, Piedmont, and
Coastal Plains geographical provinces in Georgia. The Savannah River
is one of the largest and longest rivers in Georgia. It makes up most of
the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2638&sug=y
St. Mary’s River
The St. Mary’s River is located in southeastern Georgia, making up the
easternmost border with Florida. The river begins in the Okefenokee
Swamp and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Mary’s River is
located in the coastal plains region of Georgia.
http://www.sjrwmd.com/stmarysriverguide/index.html
Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River begins in the Blue Ridge geographic region,
flowing through the Piedmont and Coastal Plains regions. The river
flows toward the Alabama border and into Florida where it’s name
changes.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-950&hl=y
Flint River
The Flint River flows from the Piedmont region into the
Chattahoochee River in Southwest Georgia. This river flows
unimpeded for over 200 miles. The Flint River begins as
groundwater in the Piedmont region.
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h3266&hl=y
Other Sources Used:
Hodler, T.W., & Schretter, H.A. (1986). Physiographical regions of georgia.
Unpublished manuscript, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Retrieved from
http://naturalhistory.uga.edu.
Www.google.com/images (for all photos)