Long Island Sound facts for kids
The Long Island Sound is a special type of water body called an estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water with salty ocean water. This one is part of the Atlantic Ocean and is located in the United States.
The Long Island Sound is shared by two US states. To the north, you'll find Connecticut. To the south, it borders Long Island in New York.
Contents
What is Long Island Sound?
The Long Island Sound is a large, important body of water. It stretches for about 110 miles (177 kilometers) from west to east. At its widest point, it is about 21 miles (34 kilometers) across. This makes it a significant waterway for both nature and people.
Where is Long Island Sound Located?
This estuary is nestled between two land masses. On its northern side is the state of Connecticut. On its southern side is Long Island, which is part of New York state.
How it Connects to Other Waters
The Long Island Sound has several important connections to other water bodies:
- To the west, it connects to the East River. This river flows past The Bronx and Westchester County, New York.
- To the east, it opens up to the Block Island Sound. This sound is part of the larger Atlantic Ocean.
- A major river, the Connecticut River, also flows into the Long Island Sound. This happens near Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
Images for kids
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Long Island Sound at night, as seen from space
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The Watershed of Long Island Sound includes nearly all of Connecticut and western Massachusetts, large swathes of Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, along with relatively small areas of New York state. (The map is miscolored in two places: the area called "5" is part of the watershed, as is the area called "9" on Long Island; the line dividing Long Island is the southerly limit of the watershed, which includes only a small fraction of the island, along the northern coast)
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Long Island Sound in Branford, Connecticut
See also
In Spanish: Long Island Sound para niños
