Georgia Geography Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key geography concepts and Georgia regions from the notes.

Geography

The study of the earth as the home of humans.

Hemispheres

The halves into which Earth is divided (e.g., Northern/Southern; Eastern/Western).

Latitude

Lines that run parallel to the equator and measure distance north or south of it.

Longitude

Lines that run north–south and measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Equator

An imaginary line around the middle of the Earth at 0° latitude.

Prime Meridian

The 0° longitude line from which all east–west measurements are made.

Absolute Location

The exact geographical position of a place, given by coordinates (latitude and longitude).

Relative Location

Where a place is located in relation to other places or landmarks.

Regions

Areas that share common characteristics (e.g., Georgia’s five regions).

Continent

A large landmass; Georgia is on the continent of North America.

Northern Hemisphere

The half of the Earth north of the equator.

Southern Hemisphere

The half of the Earth south of the equator.

Coastal Plain

Georgia’s largest region in the south; low relief, flat, with inner and outer areas, barrier islands and swamps.

Piedmont

Georgia’s middle region with rolling hills; includes Atlanta; growing season about 210–240 days.

Blue Ridge Mountains

Northeastern Georgia region with rugged mountains; Brasstown Bald is the highest point (4,784 ft); origin of the Appalachian Trail.

Ridge and Valley

Region between Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau; long ridges and valleys; rocky geology and farming.

Appalachian Plateau

Northwestern Georgia region; rugged with limestone caves; cooler climate; contains coal mining.

Fall Line

Boundary between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain where elevation drops; waterfalls and hydroelectric potential.

Okefenokee Swamp

Largest freshwater swamp in North America (over 400 sq mi); located in the southern Outer Coastal Plain; national park.

Barrier Islands

Islands off Georgia’s coast that protect the mainland from wind, erosion, and hurricanes (Cumberland, Jekyll, St. Simons).

Continental Shelf

The underwater edge of a continent extending into the ocean; barrier islands sit on it; helps dissipate hurricane energy.

Brasstown Bald

Highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet, located in the Blue Ridge.

Chattahoochee River

River forming Georgia’s western border with Alabama and a major water source.

Savannah River

River forming Georgia’s eastern border with South Carolina and flowing to the Atlantic.

Atlanta

Capital and largest city of Georgia, located in the Piedmont region.

Deep Water Ports

Georgia’s deep-water ports are Savannah and Brunswick; Savannah is the 4th busiest container port in the U.S.

Appalachian Trail

Long-distance hiking trail that runs through the Appalachian Mountains, starting in Georgia’s Blue Ridge region.

Climate

Long-term atmospheric patterns (average conditions) in an area.

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions in a place.

Agriculture

Farming and crops; major Georgia crops include corn, peanuts, cotton, pecans, soybeans, and wheat.

Tourism

Industry based on travel for leisure; Georgia’s scenery and film incentives support it.

Film Industry

Movie/TV production; Georgia offers incentives and hosts many productions.

Infrastructure

The transportation framework: highways, deep-water ports, railroads, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.