Shark River (New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shark River |
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As it appears within Shark River Park
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Eastern Monmouth County |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean 0 m (0 ft) |
| Length | 11.7 miles (18.8 km) |
The Shark River is a cool waterway in eastern New Jersey. It starts in Monmouth County and flows southeast for about 11.7 miles. It passes through towns like Neptune Township and Wall Township. The river then reaches the Shark River Inlet, which is like a natural opening that connects it to the huge Atlantic Ocean. This inlet is located between the towns of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Shark River
Old Names and Stories
Long ago, the native Lenni Lenape people called this waterway Nolletquesset. The name Shark River first appeared on a map in 1686. This was one of the earliest detailed maps of Monmouth County.
For a while, people also called it "Shirk River." This was because a county poor farm was nearby. Some people thought those living near the farm were lazy, or "shirkers." They even called the area "Shack River" because of the small homes, or shacks, where some poor people lived.
During the American Revolutionary War, soldiers gave it another nickname: "Hogs Pond." This was because wild pigs roamed freely in the woods near where salt was made.
White Creek's Connection
In 1812, an old map of New Jersey showed the Shark River as "White Creek." This name came from the White family. They were important in founding the Whitesville part of Neptune.
Is It a River or a Bay?
Understanding Tidal Basins
There's a bit of a debate about whether the Shark River is truly a river. It actually looks a lot like a tidal basin. A tidal basin is a body of salt water that is mostly affected by the ocean's tides. It's usually separated from the open sea by land.
The area we call the Shark River is actually a small bay. It covers about 800 acres. This area includes where four fresh water streams meet. It also has mud flats, salt marshes, open water, and the inlet connecting it to the Atlantic Ocean.
Fresh Water vs. Salt Water
A true "river" usually has a lot of moving fresh water. The main streams that bring fresh water to the Shark River tidal basin are:
- Shark River Stream
- Jumping Brook
- Musquash Brook
- Laurel Brook
Even though these streams drain a large area, they don't add much fresh water to the basin. Most of the water comes from the ocean's tides, which bring in huge amounts of salt water. Because of this, the Shark River is better described as a "tidal basin" than a typical river.
Ancient Discoveries
The river flows through very old layers of earth. These layers were formed during the Late Eocene and Middle Miocene periods. Along the banks, you can sometimes find amazing fossils. These include remains of ancient reptiles, mammals, and even shark teeth!
Explore Shark River Park
Shark River Park is a great place to visit. It was the very first park opened by the Monmouth County Park System in 1961. This park covers about 933 acres (3.78 km2). It stretches along both sides of the Shark River in Neptune and Wall townships. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy nature and see the river up close!
