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Essay / A Study of the Coastal Plain Region
The coastal plain is any flat, low-lying geographic region close to the sea. In the United States, coastal areas are the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, a Another name for them is the Atlantic-Gulf Coastal Plains. The coastal plain extends from Maine to Florida and to the east the Atlantic Ocean and to the west the Piedmont Plateau. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe coastal plain is an extension of the submerged continental shelf.The coastal plain region makes up most of the state. That's about three-fifths of the state. There are two regions in the coastal plain: the inner coastal plain and the outer coastal plain. The outer coastal area is generally flat and two of the most distinctive features of this area are the numerous marshes and swamps. These swampy areas are the result of poor drainage of inland rivers, primarily the Savanah and Ogeechee rivers. The most famous swamp in the Southeast is Okefenokee Swamp, located south of Waycross. Okefenokee Swamp is home to many species of plants and animals, some of which are only found here. Its area spans 681 square miles and is a natural refuge for wildlife. Some of the plants in the swamp include cypress forests, water lilies, scrub vines, and Spanish moss. Animal life includes alligators, wild cats, opossums, deer, raccoons, and over fifty species of fish. Many migratory birds also make the marsh their home for the winter. Along the coast of the Outer Coastal Plain, you will find deep harbors that have provided Georgia with a diverse population as well as industries. On this coast is the city of Savannah. Savannah was the largest city in Georgia until it was built in the 1900s. Because of its unique location, Savannah was instrumental in Georgia's growth and economy. The sea islands off the coast of Savannah are part of the Intracoastal Waterway. Savannah and Brunswick manage Georgia's foreign trade. Savannah is the nation's premier port for naval supplies and the largest ocean port facility on the South Atlantic coast with more than 1,700 ships in port each year. The two major rivers in the coastal plain are the Savannah River and the Ogeechee River. These two rivers flow into each other and create the Okefenokee Swamp. Other rivers include the Flint, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Altmaha, Satlila, and St. Marys. The inland coastal area has good water drainage and is one of the best areas in the state for agriculture. It has a good supply of groundwater and is the main agricultural area. Soil varies throughout the region and each soil type helps produce crops specific to that soil. In Vidalia, onions are grown that are known worldwide for their unique mild and sweet flavor. An area called Dougherty Plain has richer soil that provides good growing conditions for crops such as peanuts, corn and pecans. Cotton is grown in the coastal plain. Cotton production increased rapidly in the 1990s, reaching levels not seen since the 1920s. Recent harvest levels are attributed to growing demand for cotton as well as higher production costs on irrigated land in the west. As Georgia was one of the first colonies, many of the first inhabitants of this region were from England. Later, because of the port city of Savannah, many..