Rock Run (Martins Creek tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rock Run
Rock Run
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Lower Makefield Falls
Physical characteristics
Main source	150 feet (46 m) 40°12′24″N 74°50′38″W / 40.20667°N 74.84389°W / 40.20667; -74.84389
River mouth	33 feet (10 m) 40°10′36″N 74°48′39″W / 40.17667°N 74.81083°W / 40.17667; -74.81083
Length	4.81 miles (7.74 km)
Basin features
Progression	Rock Run → Martins Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	4.87 square miles (12.6 km2)
Bridges	Stony Hill Road David Terrace Esther Lane Derbyshire Road Makefield Road Big Oak Road Kent Drive Valley Road Alden Avenue West Trenton Avenue Pine Grove Road U.S. Route 1 (Lincoln Highway) SEPTA Railroad Newbold Road Tyburn Road
Slope
24.32 feet per mile (4.606 m/km)

Rock Run is a small stream, also called a tributary, located in Lower Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It flows into Martins Creek, which then joins the larger Delaware River.

Facts About Rock Run

Rock Run has official identification numbers from government surveys. It was added to the Geographic Names Information System by the U.S. Geological Survey on August 2, 1979. This system helps keep track of names and locations of natural features across the United States. It also has an ID number in the Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams.

Where Does Rock Run Flow?

Rock Run starts near Big Oak Road and Stony Hill Road in the southern part of Lower Makefield Township. It begins at an elevation of about 150 feet (46 m) above sea level.

• Starting Point: The stream generally flows east.
• Mid-Course Turn: After flowing about 2.87 miles (4.62 km), it makes a sharp 90-degree turn to the right and starts flowing south. At this point, another small stream joins it from the left.
• Final Path: It then turns east again, then south, and finally southwest. Rock Run empties into Martins Creek about 3.20 miles (5.15 km) from where Martins Creek begins.

What Is the Geology of Rock Run?

The land around Rock Run is made up of different types of rocks and soil, formed over millions of years.

Understanding the Land Formations

The area is part of the Atlantic Plain, specifically the Atlantic Coastal Plain Province. Within this, it's in the Lowland and Intermediate Upland Section.

• Ancient Rocks: Where Rock Run begins, the ground is made of a rock called Gneiss. This rock formed during the Precambrian era, which was a very long time ago. This gneiss is light buff to pink and has a medium to fine grain. It contains minerals like quartz, microcline, pyroxene, and biotite.
• Younger Sediments: As the stream flows east, it crosses through areas with the Pensauken and Bridgeton Formations. These layers were laid down during the Tertiary period. They are made of yellow to reddish-brown sand, coarse gravel, and large boulders.
• Newest Deposits: Finally, Rock Run flows into the Trenton Gravel Formation, which is from the Quaternary period, the most recent geological time. This formation consists of reddish-brown, yellow, and white sand, with some layers of gravel.

Bridges and Crossings Over Rock Run

Many roads and a railroad cross over Rock Run. Here is a list of some of the bridges: