Unit 1 Geographic Understandings Tuesday August 6

Unit 1: Geographic Understandings

Tuesday August 6, 2013 l Notes geographic regions of Georgia l Handout pg. 1 l Map 1, 2, 3 pgs 6 -8 l Warm-up: After the first day of Georgia History, what are you looking most forward to this year (2 -3 sentences) l Warm-ups are due next Friday (9 total)

Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres l Region – An area of land that shares common characteristics with itself but whose characteristics are different than other surrounding areas. l Nation – Political division of land; also known as a country.

l Continent – One of the seven large areas of land that cover the surface of the Earth. The seven continents are: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. l Hemispheres – Half of the earth. Refers to the halves of the earth formed by the Equator (northern and southern) and the Prime Meridian (eastern and western).

l Georgia is located in the following areas: -Region: South, Southeast, etc. -Nation (Country): U. S. A. -Continent: North America -Hemispheres: Northern and Western

Latitude and Longitude l Latitude: the angular distance north or south from the equator of a point on the earth’s surface, measured on the meridian of the point

l Longitude: angular distance east or west on the earth’s surface measured by the angle contained between the meridian of a particular place and some prime meridian, as that of Greenwich, England, and expressed either in degrees or by some corresponding difference in time

Wednesday August 7, 2013 l Notes: The Five Geographic regions of Georgia l Warm-up: Based on your travel in the state, describe the different regions of the state. (2 -3 sentences)

Standard: l Describe the five geographic regions of Georgia’ include the Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain

GA’s Physiographic Regions l Georgia is divided into 5 Physiographic Regions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau. l Each of these regions differ from each other in location, size, population, climate, resources, and numerous other areas.

The Blue Ridge Region (pg. 14 -15) Northeastern part of state l Contains state’s highest and largest group of mountains l Brasstown Bald, Georgia highest mountain (4, 786 feet above sea level) is located here l Mountains provide much precipitation (water) for the state l Sandy loam and clay soils l Hardwood forests, vegetable farming, and apples l

The Valley and Ridge Region Pg. (12 -13) l Between Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau l Low open valleys parallel to narrow ridges l Elevations ranges from 700 to 1600 feet above sea level l Forests and pastures dominate the region l Limestone and clay soils in the valley l Shale and sandstone on the ridges

The Appalachian Plateau Region (pg. 10 -11) l Georgia’s smallest physiographic region l Located in the Northwestern part of the state. l Many limestone caves, deep canyons, rock formations l Cumberland Plateau (Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountain separated by limestone ridges) l Limestone, shale, and sandstone soils

The Piedmont Region (pg. 16 -17) Begins in mountain foothills and goes to state’s central part l Contains many of the large cities of Georgia (Atlanta, Marietta, Athens, etc. ) and most of the state’s population. l Gently sloping hills in north, flatlands in the south l Hardwood timber, pine, and agriculture l Red clay and granite base l Chattahoochee, Flint, Ocmulgee, and Oconee rivers l

The Coastal Plain Region (pg. 18 -19) l Largest region, three-fifths of state (60%) l Inner Coastal Plain: Mild climate, good underground water supply, state’s major agriculture region l Outer Coastal Plain (southwest corner): rich soil for peanuts, pecans, corn, and pulp production l Low-lying freshwater wetlands (including the Okefenokee Swamp) are located in the southern portion of the state.

Thursday August 8, 2013 l Finish notes (coastal plain) l Map of Georgia geographic zones l Warm-up: Which of the 5 geographic regions of Georgia discussed yesterday would you prefer to live in and why? (2 -3 sentences)

Friday August 9, 2013 l Notes: Physical features of Georgia l Georgia Stories Video l Warm-up: List 3 things you have learned about the State of Georgia this week. (Complete Sentences)

Standard: l Locate and evaluate the importance of key physical features on the development of Georgia; include the Fall Line, Okefenokee Swamp, Appalachian Mountains, Chattahoochee and Savannah Rivers, and barrier islands.

The Fall Line l Located where the hilly or mountainous lands of the Piedmont region meet the coastal plain region. l Runs from Columbus (west) through Macon to Augusta (east)

l Many waterfalls caused by water from the hills cutting channels into the softer soil of the plains l Fall Line waterfalls provide power source for several Georgia communities

The Okefenokee Swamp l Named for the Seminole Indian word which means “land of the trembling Earth” l Largest swamp in North America (681 square miles)

l Freshwater (not salt water) wetland l Located south of Waycross l Home to more than 400 species of animals l Water lies close to the surface l President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge which protected land stopped logging companies from cutting down the large, old trees.

Georgia Stories: The Okefenokee Swamp l http: //www. gpb. org/georgiastories/story/ok efenokee_swamp

The Appalachian Mountains Very large mountain range which runs over 1, 500 miles from eastern Canada to central Alabama. l The southernmost part of the Appalachian Mountain chain is called the Blue Ridge Mountains. l

Close to 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains extend into north Georgia. l These mountains form the first barrier to warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. The cool mountain air causes the moisture in the air to condense and fall to the earth as precipitation (rain, snow, etc. ). This precipitation forms the basis of many of Georgia’s rivers. l

Chattahoochee River l Begins in the Blue Ridge Region and flows southwest toward Alabama and into the Gulf of Mexico. l The river is a fast moving creek north of the Fall Line and can not be used for boat travel most of the year. The river flattens out and slows down south of the Fall Line and can be used for transportation.

l After World War I the Chattahoochee’s fast moving water was used to create hydroelectric power through dams. l Provides most of the drinking water for the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Savannah River l Natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina. l Begins at Lake Hartwell and flows southwest toward the city of Savannah before emptying in the Atlantic Ocean.

l Also used as a source for hydroelectric power. l Provides most of the drinking water for Augusta and Savannah

Barrier Islands Also known as the Golden Isles (Spanish explorers called the islands “Islands of Gold). l Form a barrier between Georgia’s mainland coast and the Atlantic Ocean. l Helps to protect Georgia’s mainland coast form strong winds, waves and ocean currents. l

Important to the state’s tourism. Many people visit the beaches and resorts l Jekyll, Sea Island, St. Simons, and Tybee Islands are all connected to the mainland by bridges but others can be reached by boats. l Other industries on the barrier islands include paper production and fishing. l

Monday August 12, 2013 Finish Notes l Handout: pg. 6 l It’s Your Turn Questions pg. 21 (All answers must be in complete sentences. l l Warm-up: Copy and answer the following l In what area of Georgia is the Appalachian Plateau located? A: southwest B: southeast C: northeast D: northwest

Tuesday August 13, 2013 Climate Notes l Section 3 map skill questions l Chapter 1 Review l Warm-up: Copy and circle the correct answer In which region is the Okefenokee Swamp, the largest swamp in North America, located? A. Blue Ridge B. B. Coastal Plain C. C. Piedmont Plateau D. D. ridge and Valley l

Georgia’s Climate l Climate- the type of weather a region experiences over a long period of tie l Weather- the day-to-day conditions and changes in the atmosphere l The climate influences the types of homes built, industries that develop, clothing styles, and what crops are grown

Temperature l Overall, mild temperatures, with a subtropical feel along the coast l 4 distinct seasons l Vertical Climate- the higher the elevation, the colder the temperature l July is typically the hottest month, January is the coldest

Precipitation l Vital to Georgia’s economy l Snowfall mainly in Blue Ridge area l 40 -52 inches of rain in the Southern region and 65 -76 inches in the northern mountains l July is the wettest month, October is the driest on average l Droughts/Impacts Pg. 24

Winds/ Ocean Currents l From the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic control summer months, and winds from Alaska and Canada control winter months l Mainly run up the coast of Georgia from the Caribbean, important for trade by sea

Hurricanes l Typically occur June-November l Wind and storm surge cause most damage l 1893 Hurricane hit Savannah killing 1, 000, 72 mph winds l Hurricane strikes in Georgia are more rare than Gulf Coast States

Tornadoes l Average of 21 per year in Georgia l Most occur March to May, but can happen any time of the year l Very unpredictable l 1939 Gainesville tornado killed over 200, and injured over 1, 600

Assignment 1 - Section 3 map skill questions (5 total) pgs 23 -28 (Answer in complete sentences) l 2 - Use the word GEORGIA to make notes from unit 1 - 1 Fact per letter l Georgia is divided into 5 geographic Regions l. E l. O l. R l. G l. I l. A l

Wednesday August 14, 2013 l Notes: Transportation systems of Georgia l Georgia Stories Videos l Warm-up: How does the climate of Georgia impact the agriculture industry in the state? Explain (2 -3 sentences)

Standard l Explain how the Interstate highway System, Hartsfield. Jackson International Airport, and Georgia’s deepwater ports, and the railroads help drive the state’s economy

Interstate Highway System l Georgia’s transportation systems are important to the state’s economy l 15 Interstate Highways in Georgia

l Highways move goods and people around the state (trucking, personal automobiles) l Interstates join major cities with the rest of the country l I-20, I-75, and I-85 all run through Atlanta

l I-95 passes through Georgia running from Florida to Maine l I-75 (Florida to Michigan) l Interstates are used by people traveling to their jobs, vacations, and transporting goods across the country

Georgia Stories- Interstates l http: //www. gpb. org/georgiastories/i nterstate_highway_system

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport l One of the busiest airports in the world l Named after 2 Atlanta Mayors: Williams Hartsfield (founded airport in 1925) and Maynard Jackson (first African American mayor of a major southern city) l Jackson’s name was added in 2003 following his death

l More than 1, 000 airplanes pass through the airport daily going to all continents except Antarctica and Australia l Planes carry passengers (business and travel) and cargo including mail l Over 20 companies send cargo via HJ Airport

l The airport covers 4, 700 acres and has 5 runways l Over 200 shops and restaurants are located in the airport terminal l Airport employees over 55, 000 and is the largest employer in Georgia

Other Facts (do not copy) l l l There are four fire stations at the Atlanta Airport provided and staffed by the Atlanta Fire Department. Airport Division The Atlanta Airport's underground automated people mover connects all concourses with the terminal Concourse "E" is the largest international concourse in the US The Atlanta Airport has more than 1296 toilets The Atlanta Airport produces more than 57 tons of trash everyday 250, 000 passengers each day (over 91, 000 per year)

Georgia Stories- Airport l http: //www. gpb. org/georgiastories/s econd_busiest_airport_in_the_world

Deepwater Ports l Georgia has 2 ports managed by the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) l Ports are located in Savannah and Brunswick l Ports open up the state for trade and commerce with the world (shipping)

l Cargo, automobiles, and dry bulk goods are brought into the ports l Terminals are in each port 2 Savannah and 3 in Brunswick

l Rivers in the western part of Georgia use barges to come crude oil and petroleum products l Bainbridge and Columbus have barge terminals

Railroads l Move freight and cargo from factories and ports l Norfolk-Southern and CSX are main companies that run through Georgia

l All transportation systems work together to keep Georgia’s economy working l All are vital to moving people and goods through the state l Without these systems, jobs would not exist

Thursday August 15, 2013 Review for Unit 1 test l Jeopardy l l Warm-up: Explain how Interstates and major airports provide jobs to people in our state. (2 -3 sentences)

Friday August 16, 2013 Unit 1 Test l Extra Credit Puzzle l Warm-ups due l Warm-up: copy and answer the following: Georgia’s deepwater ports ____. l A. B. C. Might close because air traffic is more important Open the state for trade with the world Are only for goods coming into the state, not leaving

Monday August 19, 2013 l Georgia Map Activity l Warm-up: copy and answer: l Which industry is most affected by Georgia’s climate? A: Agriculture B: Chemical C: Mining D: Transportation

Tuesday August 20, 2013 l Finish/Review Map Activity l Warm-up: Looking at your map you started yesterday, discuss one thing that you have learned or that has surprised you about our state map. (2 -3 sentences)