Little Choptank River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Choptank River |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Maryland |
| Region | Delmarva Peninsula |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Lee Creek and Gary Creek 0 ft (0 m) 38°34′21″N 76°10′35″W / 38.57250°N 76.17639°W |
| River mouth | Chesapeake Bay 0 ft (0 m) 38°32′34″N 76°19′21″W / 38.54278°N 76.32250°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Little Choptank River is a cool waterway in Dorchester County, Maryland. It's a special kind of river called a tidal river. This means its water level changes with the ocean's tides, just like the beach!
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Exploring the Little Choptank River
The Little Choptank River is an important part of the natural world in Maryland. Because it's a tidal river, its environment is always changing. This makes it a unique place for many different plants and animals to live.
Where Does the River Begin?
The Little Choptank River starts when two smaller streams, Lee Creek and Gary Creek, join together. This meeting point is called a confluence. It's like two small roads merging to form a bigger highway. This starting point is about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of a town called Cambridge.
Where Does the River End?
After flowing for a while, the Little Choptank River eventually empties into the huge Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. An estuary is where fresh water from rivers mixes with salty ocean water. This connection to the Chesapeake Bay makes the Little Choptank River part of a much larger water system.
What Are Tributaries?
Rivers often have smaller streams or creeks that flow into them. These are called tributaries. The Little Choptank River has several tributaries that add water to it. On its left side, some of these include Fishing Creek, Woolford Creek, Parsons Creek, and Slaughter Creek. On its right side, you'll find Beckwith Creek, Phillips Creek, Hudson Creek, and Brooks Creek. These tributaries help keep the river flowing and healthy.
