Big Run (Slippery Rock Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Run |
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Location of Big Run mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Slippery Rock Creek |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Butler |
| Township | Brady |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | divide between Big Run and Muddy Creek about 0.25 miles south of Elora, Pennsylvania 1,370 ft (420 m) 40°59′14″N 79°59′20″W / 40.98722°N 79.98889°W |
| River mouth | Slippery Rock Creek about 0.25 miles east of Crolls Mills, Pennsylvania 1,130 ft (340 m) 41°01′14″N 80°02′07″W / 41.02056°N 80.03528°W |
| Length | 4.52 mi (7.27 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | northwest |
| River system | Beaver River |
| Basin size | 7.14 square miles (18.5 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | William Flynn Highway (PA 8) (x2), Duffy Road, McBride Road |
Big Run is a small stream, also called a "run," located in western Pennsylvania, in a place called Butler County. It's like a smaller helper stream because it flows into a bigger one called Slippery Rock Creek. From there, the water travels even further, eventually reaching the Beaver River, then the Ohio River, and finally the mighty Mississippi River!
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Exploring Big Run
Big Run is an important part of the local water system. It helps carry water from the land into larger rivers. Understanding streams like Big Run helps us learn about how water moves across the Earth and how it affects the environment.
Where Does Big Run Start and End?
Big Run begins high up in the hills of northwestern Butler County. Its starting point is about 0.25 miles south of a small place called Elora, Pennsylvania. At this spot, the land is about 1,370 feet (418 meters) above sea level.
The stream then flows generally towards the northwest. After traveling about 4.52 miles (7.27 kilometers), Big Run reaches its end. It flows into Slippery Rock Creek just east of a town called Crolls Mills, Pennsylvania. At this meeting point, the elevation is about 1,130 feet (344 meters).
What is a Watershed?
Every stream, including Big Run, has something called a "watershed." A watershed is like a giant bowl or a drainage area. It's all the land where rain and snowmelt collect and then flow downhill into that specific stream or river.
Big Run's watershed covers an area of about 7.14 square miles (18.5 square kilometers). This means all the water that falls on this area will eventually make its way into Big Run.
Land Use in the Watershed
The land within Big Run's watershed is used for different things:
- About 65% of the land is covered by forests. This is great because forests help keep the water clean and provide homes for wildlife.
- Around 26% of the land is used for farming.
- The remaining small percentage is used for other purposes, like roads or buildings.
Bridges Over Big Run
Even though Big Run is a small stream, several roads cross over it using bridges. These include:
- The William Flynn Highway (also known as PA 8), which crosses the stream twice.
- Duffy Road.
- McBride Road.
These bridges allow people and vehicles to travel easily across the stream.
