Physical Features

TOPOGRAPHY

Atlanta is located in the Southern Appalachians in the north-central area of Georgia. The toal area of Atlanta is 132 square miles. The elevation is at 1,010 feet above sea level and it is close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 343.0 km² (132.4 sq mi). 341.2 km² (131.7 sq mi) of it is land and 1.8 km² (1 sq mi) of it is water. The total area is 0.54% water. At about 1,050 feet (320 m) above mean sea level the airport is at 1,010 feet (308 m), Atlanta sits atop a ridge south of the Chattahoochee River.

CLIMATE

The city is classified as having a humid subtropical climate. Summers are usually very hot and humid and that is why we hear the phrase hotter than Georgia asphault. Winters are mild in tempature and receives plenty of rainfall and precipitation. The average temperature in January is 40 Degrees Farenheit and in July the temperatures reach an average of 89 Degrees Farenheit. Since the summers are humid the temperatures often pass the 100 degree mark.

VEGETATION

Atlanta is known for its climax vegetation. It is dominated by pine and mixed hardwood species. Roadsides feature diverse vegetation, from wild plums, ash, mimosa, and black locust to old field grasses to planted dogwoods, crepe myrtles, and redbud trees. The regions is also known for having a vast range of forests. The region is dominated mostly by pine forests.


From: City-data.com & sherpaguides.com
http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-South/Atlanta-Geography-and-Climate.html
http://www.sherpaguides.com/georgia/atlanta_urban_wildlife/natural_history/