Studying the Southeast Region

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

The Okefenokee Swamp is located in the Southeast Region, specifically in Florida and Georgia.

It is North America's most well-known and largest black-water swamp. Black water means that the swamp is deep, slow-moving, and dark in color from decaying vegetation.

Swamps aren’t the only landform in this region. The Southeast also features mountains, beaches, islands, lakes, rivers, and the Everglades. The range of landforms within the SE makes for unique environments for those in this portion of the country.

The SE Region is comprised of the following 12 states.

Among these states is an assortment of many well-known landforms. Continue reading to find out which landforms are located in each state and how the environment affects those living there.

Landforms

The Atlantic Coastal Plain

This landform is found in South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. It is made up of beaches, swamps, and forests.

Appalachian Mountain System

This mountainous landform can be found in multiple regions. It begins in Canada and moves south into central Alabama. It makes a natural barrier between the Coastal Plain and Lowlands.

Blue Ridge Mountains

This mountain range can also be found in more than one region because it begins in Pennsylvania and ends in Georgia. They are most famous for the appearance of their blue-colored mountains that can be seen from a distance.

Gulf of Mexico

This unique formation extends from the Florida Keys to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This shoreline is up to 4,000 miles long.

Great Dismal Swamp

Stretching across the Coastal Plain of Virginia into North Carolina, this is a heavily-forested, marshy area that reaches elevations of 10 to 20 feet above sea level.

Everglades

This landform in southern Florida comprises coastal mangroves, marshes, and pine flatwoods. It is home to several endangered species, such as the Florida panther.

Florida Keys

This island chain is about 15 miles south of Miami, Florida. There are about 800 keys, with Key Largo being the longest.

Climate

The SE Region is known for its subtropical climate. People living in this region experience sweltering and humid summers.

During the summer and fall seasons, hurricanes are common annual occurrences. However, wintertime in this region provides favorable, mild temperatures.

In the northern states of the SE, some snow and freezing temperatures may occur. Thankfully, winter does not last long for people in this region.

Watch the video below for more information about the climate in the SE region.

Now, explore the resources below to learn more about the exciting SE. Take notes on 1-2 interesting facts from each site.

• Facts on the Atlantic Coastal Plains
• Appalachian Mountains
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• Great Dismal Swamp

Share your notes with someone.

• Have either of you ever been to the SE region?
• If you could visit any of these locations, which would you each prefer?
• Are there any of these locations you would want to avoid? If so, which one(s) and why?

Continue to the Got It? section to fill in a map with what you've learned.