whereiscumberlandisland.docVIP

Where is Cumberland Island? Materials: Map of United States, Georgia state map; Cumberland Island map worksheet (one per student); transparencies Subject: Geography Length: 1 hour Location: Classroom Objectives: To locate Cumberland Island National Seashore on a United States map and a Georgia state map. To be able to identify the Georgia bight. Method: Students will utilize maps to locate Cumberland Island National Seashore, the Georgia bight, rivers and major cities in the surrounding area. Background: Cumberland Island National Seashore was established in 1972 to preserve the scenic, scientific and historical values of the largest undeveloped barrier island along the Georgia coast. Located just north of the Georgia - Florida border, it marks the point furthest west along the East coast. Looking at a United States map, the indentation of the coast along South Carolina/Georgia and Florida looks as if someone took a bite out of the continent. This is what is referred to as the Georgia Bight. It extends from Cape Fear, SC to Cape Canaveral, FL. The location of Cumberland Island helps to protect it and the other barrier islands from hurricanes. These large storms tend to form in, and feed off of, warmer waters. The gulf stream generally flows along the edge of the continental shelf approximately 80 miles away, keeping these storms away. Crooked River and St Marys River are the two major waterways flowing into the Cumberland Sound toward the Southern end. The St. Marys River is the state line between Georgia and Florida. St. Marys, GA is where the ferry departs for the island. The Cumberland River flows along the Northern end. Other points of interest: Crooked River State Park is located on the river just north of the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base; Fort Clinch State Park is located to the south on Amelia Island, FL. Procedure: -Have students look at a United States map. Locate South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.