Broad Mountain (Lehigh Valley) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Broad Mountain |
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The barrier wall of Broad Mountain (center) west of Lehigh Gorge and north of Tamaqua, Nesquehoning, and Jim Thorpe
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Broad Mountain, Carbon County, Pennsylvania |
| Elevation | 547.116 m (1,795.00 ft) GNIS |
| Prominence | 540.1056 m (1,772.000 ft) 1170284, Range, |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 14–15.0 mi (22.5–24.1 km) east-west |
| Geography | |
Broad Mountain had a large importance in local rail transportation.
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| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Appalachian Mountains |
| Age of rock | Silurian?? |
| Type of rock | Tuscarora Formation?? and Shawangunk Formation; sedimentary |
Broad Mountain, also called Broad Ridge, is a long, steep mountain in Pennsylvania. It's part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. You can find it in Carbon County and Schuylkill County.
This mountain is a natural barrier. It's located south of Beaver Meadows and Weatherly. It also lies north of Nesquehoning. To its west and south is the Lehigh River basin. The top of Broad Mountain is mostly flat. From roads and towns, it can look a bit like the man-made piles of coal waste in the area.
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What Makes Broad Mountain Unique?
Broad Mountain is a long ridge with several high points. The peak in Carbon County is the highest. Another peak in Schuylkill County is almost as tall. This western part of the mountain is very important. It acts as a natural boundary for water.
How Does it Affect Water Flow?
The mountain creates a "watershed." This means it separates where rainwater flows. Water on one side goes to the Schuylkill River basin. Water on the other side flows into the Lehigh River. Most of the water from Broad Mountain ends up in the Lehigh River.
Broad Mountain's Connection to Other Areas
Broad Mountain and Nesquehoning Mountain are connected. They meet at a high point near Hometown, Pennsylvania. An important railroad line and Pennsylvania Route 54 climb through this area. They pass through a natural notch in the mountain. This helps connect towns like Nesquehoning.
How Long is Broad Mountain?
The mountain runs from east to west. It stretches about 14 miles (23 km) long. On its south side is Nesquehoning Creek. The mountain extends from the Lehigh Gorge to the Little Schuylkill River. This area is near railroad junctions at Hometown and Delano.
