Rhode Island (California) facts for kids
USGS aerial imagery of Rhode Island, with Holland Tract to its west, Bacon Island to its southeast and the flooded Little Mandeville Island to its north.
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 Rhode Island
Location in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
Rhode Island
Location in California
Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern California |
| Coordinates | 37°59′59″N 121°34′31″W / 37.9996445°N 121.5752300°W |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta |
| Highest elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
| Administration | |
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United States
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| State | California |
| County | Contra Costa |
Rhode Island is a small island located in the San Joaquin River delta in California. It is part of Contra Costa County. This island is known for being very low, almost at sea level. Its exact location is at coordinates 37°59′59″N 121°34′31″W / 37.9996445°N 121.5752300°W.
Where is Rhode Island located?
Rhode Island is found in the northern part of California. It sits within the large network of waterways known as the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. This delta is where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers meet before flowing into the San Francisco Bay.
What is the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta?
The delta is a huge area of rivers, channels, and islands. It covers about 1,100 square miles. Many islands in the delta, like Rhode Island, were formed by sediment. Over time, these islands became important for farming.
How were the delta islands formed?
The islands in the delta were created by natural processes. Rivers carried soil and sand downstream. This material settled in the calmer waters, building up land over thousands of years. People later built levees to protect these low-lying lands.
What makes Rhode Island special?
Rhode Island is unique because it is very flat. Its elevation is listed as 0 feet. This means it is right at sea level. Being so low makes it part of a special environment.
Why is its low elevation important?
The low elevation of Rhode Island means it is very close to the water. This makes the island sensitive to changes in water levels. It also affects the types of plants and animals that can live there.
What is the environment like on Rhode Island?
The island's environment is shaped by its delta location. It has a mix of water and land habitats. This area is important for many kinds of wildlife.
What kind of wildlife lives there?
The delta region, including islands like Rhode Island, is home to various animals. You might find different types of fish in the surrounding waters. Birds, including migratory birds, also use the delta as a resting or feeding spot. Small mammals and insects also live on the island.
What plants grow on the island?
The plants on Rhode Island are typical for a delta environment. They include grasses, reeds, and other water-loving plants. These plants help stabilize the soil and provide food and shelter for animals.
Images for kids
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An aerial view of Rhode Island, showing its location within the delta.
