SS2G1 the Student Will Locate Major Topographical Features of Georgia and Will

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.

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.

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 bothbeaches 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Sources Used:

Hodler, T.W., & Schretter, H.A. (1986). Physiographical regions of georgia. Unpublished manuscript, University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Retrieved from

(for all photos)