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Broad Creek (Nanticoke River tributary) facts for kids

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Broad Creek
Map of Broad Creek mouth location
Map of Broad Creek mouth location
Map of Broad Creek mouth location
Map of Broad Creek mouth location
Location of Broad Creek mouth
Other name(s) Tributary to Nanticoke River
Country United States
State Delaware
County Sussex
City Laurel
Bethel
Physical characteristics
Main source confluence of Elliott Pond Branch and James Branch
Lake Pines, Delaware
8 ft (2.4 m)
38°33′31″N 075°34′03″W / 38.55861°N 75.56750°W / 38.55861; -75.56750
River mouth Nanticoke River
about 0.5 miles west of Cherry Walk, Delaware
0 ft (0 m)
38°34′05″N 075°40′29″W / 38.56806°N 75.67472°W / 38.56806; -75.67472
Length 8.00 mi (12.87 km)
Basin features
Progression generally west
River system Nanticoke River
Basin size 123.77 square miles (320.6 km2)
Tributaries
Waterbodies Records Pond
Bridges US 13, Willow Street, Delaware Avenue, North Central Avenue, North Poplar Street, Shell Bridge Road

Broad Creek is a small river, about 8 miles (13 km) long, located in Sussex County, Delaware, in the United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river called the Nanticoke River.

About Broad Creek

Broad Creek is known as a "4th order tributary." This means it's a stream that has other smaller streams flowing into it, which in turn have even smaller streams flowing into them. Think of it like branches on a tree, getting bigger as they join together.

Other Names for the Creek

Historically, Broad Creek has also been called by a couple of other names. These names were recorded by the Geographic Names Information System.

  • Broad Creek River
  • Laurel River

Where Broad Creek Starts and Flows

Broad Creek begins in a place called Lake Pines, Delaware. It's formed when two smaller streams, Elliott Pond Branch and James Branch, meet up.

The Creek's Journey

From its starting point, Broad Creek generally flows towards the west. It continues its journey until it reaches the Nanticoke River. This meeting point is about half a mile west of a place called Cherry Walk.

The Broad Creek Area

The area that Broad Creek drains is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 124 square miles (321 square kilometers).

Water and Nature

The Broad Creek watershed gets a good amount of rain each year, around 45 inches (114 cm). About 14% of this area is covered by forests, which are important for keeping the water clean and providing homes for wildlife.

Bridges Over the Creek

Several bridges cross Broad Creek, helping people travel around the area. Some of these include:

  • US 13
  • Willow Street
  • Delaware Avenue
  • North Central Avenue
  • North Poplar Street
  • Shell Bridge Road
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