Rapp Creek (Tinicum Creek tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rapp Creek
Rapp Creek
Other name(s)	Rapp Run
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks County
Township	Nockamixon Township
Physical characteristics
Main source	Pond Pond near Lake Warren 530 feet (160 m) 40°32′36″N 75°09′26″W / 40.54333°N 75.15722°W / 40.54333; -75.15722
River mouth	Confluence of Rapp Creek and Beaver Creek forming the headwaters of Tinicum Creek 240 feet (73 m) 40°28′50″N 75°08′48″W / 40.48056°N 75.14667°W / 40.48056; -75.14667
Length	5.71 miles (9.19 km)
Basin features
Progression	Rapp Creek-Tinicum Creek-Delaware River
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	6.97 square miles (18.1 km2)
Waterbodies	Lake Warren
Bridges	Lake Warren Road, Lonely Cottage Road, Colonial Way, Marienstein Road, Beaver Run Road, Quarry Road, Bunker Hill Road, Clay Ridge Road

Rapp Creek is a small stream, also known as Rapp Run, located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's a tributary of Tinicum Creek. This means Rapp Creek flows into Tinicum Creek, which then joins the much larger Delaware River. So, Rapp Creek is an important part of the huge Delaware River watershed.

Quick Facts About Rapp Creek

Rapp Creek is officially recognized as a stream. It has a watershed area of about 6.97 square miles (18.05 km2). A watershed is all the land where rain and snow eventually drain into a specific body of water. Rapp Creek and Beaver Creek flow together to form the beginning of Tinicum Creek.

Rapp Creek's Journey

Where Rapp Creek Begins

Rapp Creek starts its journey from a pond south of Coffman Hill in upper Bucks County. Just a short distance from its start, it flows into Lake Warren.

About Lake Warren

Lake Warren was created around 1935 when an earthen dam was built. The dam is about 10 feet (3.0 m) high and 110 feet (34 m) long. This dam helps the lake hold water over an area of about 15 acres (6.1 ha). The Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission owns and manages Lake Warren.

Rapp Creek's Path to Tinicum Creek

After leaving Lake Warren, Rapp Creek generally flows southeast. For about two-thirds of its length, it receives water from a smaller stream joining it from the left side. Then, it turns more directly southeast. Near a quarry, another small stream joins it from the right side. After flowing a bit further, Rapp Creek meets Beaver Creek. When these two streams meet, they officially form the start of Tinicum Creek.

The Rocks and Land Around Rapp Creek

Understanding the Geology

The area around Rapp Creek is part of the Appalachian Highlands Division. More specifically, it's in the Piedmont Province, within the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section. The ground here is made up of different types of rocks.

Types of Rocks Found Here

• Diabase: Rapp Creek starts in an area with diabase. This is a dark, fine-grained igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed from cooled magma or lava. This diabase formed during the Jurassic and Triassic periods. It's made of minerals like labradorite and augite.
• Lockatong Formation: As the creek flows, it enters an area with the Lockatong Formation. This is a sedimentary rock layer. Sedimentary rocks are formed from layers of sediment that get pressed together over time. The Lockatong Formation is mostly dark-gray to black argillite and shale, with some limestone.
• Brunswick Formation: Just before Rapp Creek meets Tinicum Creek, it flows through the Brunswick Formation. This layer is also made of sedimentary rocks like mudstone, siltstone, and shale. You can also find minerals like argillite and hornfels here.

Bridges Over Rapp Creek

Many roads cross over Rapp Creek. Here are some of the bridges: