Geographic Understandings

SS8G1: The student will describe Georgia with regard to physical features and location.

a. Locate Georgia in relation to region, nation, continent, and hemispheres.

b. Evaluate the impact of climate on Georgia’s development.

Georgia as a World & National RegionGeography - the study of the earth’s climate,

surface, countries, peoples, industries, natural resources, etc. Geography greatly affects how people live and what

kind of plants and trees grow in a region.Region – a geographic area defined by some kind

of trait, such as climate, culture, the people who live there, a city, a county, etc.

Georgia is part of several world and national regions.

What 2 kinds of imaginary lines divide the Earth into hemispheres?

What 2 imaginary lines divide the Earth into hemispheres?

The Equator – 0 degrees latitude that is half way between the north and south poles. It divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Prime Meridian – Runs from North pole to the South, located at 0 degrees longitude. Divides the earth into Eastern and Western hemispheres.

The Equator = 0 degrees latitude

The Prime Meridian = 0 degress longitude

What 2 imaginary lines divide the Earth into hemispheres?

The Prime Meridianseparates

east and west

Equatorseparates

north and south

The International Date Line = 180 degrees longitude.

Hemispheres of the world.

What 2 imaginary lines divide the Earth into hemispheres?

• International Date Line – Located at 180 degrees longitude.

• This is the other half of the line that divides the Earth which is called the Prime Meridian at zero degrees longitude.

Georgia’s location in the world.• There are four hemispheres: • Georgia is located in both the Northern and Western Hemispheres.

Northern

Southern

EASTERN

WESTERN

What continent is Georgia on?North America

Georgia’s Location on the GlobeLatitude & LongitudeLatitude: 32 degrees, 02 min. and 35 degrees North.Longitude: 80 degrees, 50 min. and 85 degrees and

36 min. West

Georgia

Georgia's Latitude & LongitudeLatitude: Between 32 degrees, 02 min. and 35 degrees North.

Longitude: Between 80 degrees, 50 min. & 85 degrees, 36 min. West

What continent is Georgia on?

North America

GEORGIA

Georgia is in the North American

Continental Region

What national region is Georgia located in?

Georgia is one of the 50 statesIn the United States of America

Georgia

What region of the United States is Georgia located in?

Georgia is in the Southeast

of the United States of America

NORTH

SOUTH

EAST

WEST

Georgia

What region of the United States is Georgia located in?

Southeastern Region

Georgia is also part of several other regions:

• GA is part of the Southern Region of the USA

• GA is an Atlantic Coastal State

• GA is part of the Eastern Seaboard

• GA is located in the DEEP SOUTH

• GA is part of the Bible BeltAnd ……

GA is also located in the region known as the Sun Belt.

The Sun Belt of the USA

Georgia’s Climate

• Climate refers to an area’s consistent weather patterns over a long period of time.

• Weather refers to the day-to-day conditions and changes in the atmosphere.

• The climate of a region influences the types of homes built, the types of industries that develop, the clothing styles, and especially what crops are grown.

• As a result of GA’s latitude and longitude, the climate in our state is relatively mild (with a subtropical feel), and we experience the 4 distinct seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall.

Georgia’s Climate

• In most parts of Georgia, summers are hot and humid while winters are mild. However, there is a narrow band across the north

GA mountains that has warm summers and moderately cold winters because mountainous terrain also influences temperature.

The higher the elevation, the colder the temperature, resulting in a phenomenon sometimes referred to as vertical climate.

How does Georgia’s climate impact our economic development?

• Generally, temperatures are relatively comfortable through most of the year, which is one of the reasons why so many companies move into our state. – Industries tend to favor mild climates because such weather

equals lower costs for heating and air conditioning and fewer weather-related absences by their workers.

– Equally important, our mild climate generates longer growing seasons for a variety of crops.

– Even in today’s modern GA, one in six GA jobs relates to agriculture or agri-business.

Georgia’s Climate

• Precipitation is vital to GA’s economy.• Snow, which generally falls in the mountain

regions, melts and runs off into streams and lakes.• Rainfall aids the growth of crops and forests. • In a normal year, GA receives an average of 40 to 52 inches of rain in its central and southern

regions and 65 to 76 inches in the northern mountains, some of which is in the form of snow.

Georgia’s ClimateThere are 3 types of weather that impact GA:Hurricanes, Thunderstorms, & Droughts

◦ Hurricanes can form in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico and strike GA. Sometimes, more damage comes from tropical storms than from hurricanes.

◦ Both storms bring high winds and rain.◦ A great deal of rain from these storms may fall on GA.

Georgia’s Climate• Thunderstorms – These storms which are common in

the Spring and Summer and strike fast and hard, bringing lighting, heavy winds, hail, heavy rain, and can spawn tornadoes.

Georgia’s Climate• Droughts – This occurs when the land does not get enough precipitation for

crops and public use. During such conditions, the threat of wild fires increases.• From 1998 through 2002, GA, like many other parts of the country, experienced

a severe drought with rainfall below average. • Lack of rainfall for even a short period of time can harm industries, farmers, and

homeowners alike.• A few weeks without rain and lawns begin to turn brown, plants and shrubs

shrivel, fire warnings become common, and water conservation actions run full speed.

Lake Lanier, GA in 2008.

Georgia’s Climate Economic ImpactAs a result of GA’s climate, 2 of our state’s economic bennefits

come from : Tourism and • Georgia’s climate impacts our economic development through

tourism:– Cool scenic mountains, warm sunny beaches, rivers, forests,

and mild temps make GA an enjoyable tourist attraction.

• Georgia’s climate impacts our economic development through business:

• Our warm, mild climate makes our sea ports along the coast an ideal location for shipping and trade year round, bringing many businesses to the state for that purpose.

Georgia’s Climate Economic Impact