Mazon River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mazon River |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Greenfield Township, Grundy County, Illinois 41°11′02″N 88°15′13″W / 41.183921°N 88.2536703°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Illinois River, Morris, Illinois 489 ft (149 m) 41°21′09″N 88°25′26″W / 41.3525319°N 88.4239563°W |
| Length | 28 mi (45 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Mazon River → Illinois → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 413173 |
The Mazon River, also called Mazon Creek, is a river in the United States. It flows into the Illinois River near Morris, Illinois. A river that flows into a larger river is called a tributary. The spot where two rivers meet is called a confluence.
The Mazon River is about 28 miles (45 km) (45 km) long. Its main part is known as the West Fork. The river was named after William Mason, an early settler in the area.
Contents
What Makes the Mazon River Special?
The Mazon River is famous for its amazing fossil beds. These fossil beds are found in a type of rock called Francis Creek Shale. You can see these rocks in old mining areas and quarries near the river.
Why are Mazon Creek Fossils Important?
The fossils found here are incredibly well-preserved. They come from a time called the Pennsylvanian period, which was part of the Paleozoic era. This was a very long time ago, about 300 million years!
The Mazon Creek fossil site is known worldwide as a Lagerstätten. This is a special German word that means a place where many fossils are found in excellent condition. It's like a treasure chest of ancient life!
Where Does the Mazon River Flow?
The Mazon River flows through parts of Illinois. It helps drain water from several counties and passes by different towns.
Towns and Cities Near the Mazon River
Many towns and villages are located in the area where the Mazon River collects water. These include:
Counties Drained by the Mazon River
The Mazon River helps drain water from parts of these Illinois counties:
