Big Run (West Branch Fishing Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Run |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | plateau in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania between 2,240 and 2,260 feet (680 and 690 m) |
| River mouth | West Branch Fishing Creek in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania 1,434 ft (437 m) 41°17′57″N 76°27′24″W / 41.2991°N 76.4567°W |
| Length | 1.0 mi (1.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | West Branch Fishing Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 0.51 sq mi (1.3 km2) |
Big Run is a small stream, or tributary, located in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into another stream called West Branch Fishing Creek. Big Run is about 1.0 mile (1.6 km) long and runs through an area known as Davidson Township. The land area that drains water into Big Run, called its watershed, is about 0.51 square miles (1.3 km2).
Scientists have studied the water in Big Run. They found it's a bit acidic, meaning it has a low pH. The pH levels they measured were between 4.02 and 4.65. The ground around the stream has different types of rocks and soil, like a kind of glacial dirt called Wisconsinan Till, and rocks like sandstone and shale.
Contents
Where Big Run Flows
Big Run starts on a flat, high area called a plateau in Davidson Township. From there, it flows towards the southeast. Soon after starting, it leaves the plateau and begins to flow steeply downhill. It moves through a deep, narrow valley.
After flowing for a bit, the stream slowly turns south. A short distance further downstream, it crosses Fishing Creek Road. This is where Big Run meets and joins West Branch Fishing Creek. Big Run joins West Branch Fishing Creek about 6.44 miles (10.36 km) before West Branch Fishing Creek reaches its own end.
Water Conditions in Big Run
Scientists have studied the water in Big Run to understand its conditions. They measured the water temperature four times between June 2010 and April 2011.
- The warmest temperature was 59.0 °F (15.0 °C) on June 18, 2010.
- The coldest temperature was 32.3 °F (0.2 °C) on January 4, 2011.
They also measured the water's specific conductivity, which tells us how well water conducts electricity. This can show how many dissolved substances are in the water.
- The highest specific conductivity was 20 micro-siemens per centimeter on June 18, 2010.
- The lowest was 6 micro-siemens per centimeter on January 4, 2011.
The pH of the water was also measured. pH tells us if water is acidic, neutral, or basic. A lower pH means it's more acidic.
- The highest pH was 4.65 on November 13, 2010.
- The lowest pH was 4.02 on April 9, 2011. This means the water in Big Run is generally acidic.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has decided that Big Run should be used to support aquatic life. This means it's a good place for fish and other water creatures to live. The stream meets the standards set by the department for this use.
Land and Rocks Around the Stream
The land around Big Run has interesting features and different types of rocks.
Elevation Changes
The place where Big Run joins West Branch Fishing Creek is about 1,434 feet (437 m) above sea level. Where Big Run starts, its source, the elevation is much higher, between 2,240 and 2,260 feet (680 and 690 m) above sea level. This big drop in elevation explains why the stream flows steeply.
Types of Soil and Rocks
Near the lower parts of Big Run, the ground is covered by a type of glacial till called Wisconsinan Till. This is a mix of different sized rocks and soil left behind by glaciers. Sometimes, this till has layers of silt and clay underneath it, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
Closer to where the stream begins, you can find something called Boulder Colluvium. This means the ground is mostly covered with large boulders. These boulders are often made of quartz, sandstone, or a rock called conglomerate. You can also find solid bedrock made of sandstone and shale near the stream, especially in its middle and upper sections.
The Stream's Watershed
The entire watershed of Big Run, which is the area of land that drains water into the stream, covers about 0.51 square miles (1.3 km2). Big Run is located completely within an area mapped by the United States Geological Survey called the Elk Grove quadrangle.
History of Big Run's Name
Big Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States. Its special ID number in the system is 1169569.
