Sullivan Branch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sullivan Branch |
|
|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North Mountain in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania 2,380 to 2,400 feet (730 to 730 m) |
| River mouth | East Branch Fishing Creek in Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania 1,340 to 1,360 feet (410 to 410 m) |
| Length | 3.3 mi (5.3 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | East Branch Fishing Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 5.81 sq mi (15.0 km2) |
| Tributaries |
|
Sullivan Branch is a small stream in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is also sometimes called Sullivan Run or the Sullivan Branch of East Branch Fishing Creek. This stream is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km) long and flows through Davidson Township.
Sullivan Branch is known for being quite acidic, with its average pH usually between 3.99 and 4.19. It also has many beautiful waterfalls. The stream starts high up on North Mountain. It's a special place because it's considered a high-quality coldwater fishery, meaning it's a great home for fish that like cold, clean water.
Contents
Journey of the Sullivan Branch
Sullivan Branch starts its journey in the northern part of Davidson Township. It first flows east for a short distance. Then, it turns southeast and enters a valley.
After flowing for more than a mile, another stream called Ore Run joins it. At this point, Sullivan Branch turns south-southeast. The valley around the stream here is quite deep, about 400 feet (120 m). Later, Hunts Run flows into Sullivan Branch. Soon after, Sullivan Branch meets Big Run to form the East Branch Fishing Creek.
Streams that Join Sullivan Branch
Several smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into Sullivan Branch. These include Ore Run, Hunts Run, and Pigeon Run. Each of these tributaries has its own area of land that drains into it, called a watershed.
- Ore Run's watershed covers about 0.78 square miles (2.0 km2).
- Hunts Run's watershed covers about 0.40 square miles (1.0 km2).
- Pigeon Run's watershed also covers about 0.78 square miles (2.0 km2).
Water Quality and Acidity
The water in Sullivan Branch is quite acidic. The pH at the start of the stream is about 3.99. Further downstream, after Ore Run joins, the pH is 4.11. After Pigeon Run joins, the pH is 4.19. A lower pH means the water is more acidic.
The average temperature of the water is around 9.1 °C (48.4 °F) at the start of the stream. It gets slightly warmer downstream, reaching about 9.4 °C (48.9 °F) after Pigeon Run.
The stream also contains dissolved oxygen, which is important for fish and other aquatic life. It also has dissolved organic carbon. Scientists have found that Sullivan Branch is always acidic, a condition called chronic acidification.
As of 2011, experts were still studying why the stream is so acidic. They were looking into whether it's from sulfuric acid in the air or from natural acids from plants.
Unfortunately, about 5.06 miles (8.14 km) of streams in the Sullivan Branch area are not as healthy as they should be. This includes parts of its tributaries. The water quality is considered poor normally and even worse when there's a lot of rain. The smaller streams flowing into Sullivan Branch also affect its water quality.
Land and Rocks Around the Stream
The Sullivan Branch begins high up on North Mountain. A flat, high area called a plateau separates Sullivan Branch from another stream called Heberly Run.
The elevation of the stream where it joins East Branch Fishing Creek is between 1,340 feet (410 m) and 1,360 feet (410 m) above sea level. Where the stream starts, its elevation is much higher, between 2,380 feet (730 m) and 2,400 feet (730 m) above sea level. This big drop in elevation helps create the many waterfalls.
Waterfalls and the Stream's Area
The entire area that drains into Sullivan Branch, called its watershed, covers about 5.81 square miles (15.0 km2).
Sullivan Branch is famous for its many waterfalls, with at least ten of them. Some of these waterfalls have unique shapes, like "bridal veil falls" or "wedding cake falls." The tallest waterfall is called the Fifth Falls, which is about 50 feet (15 m) high. The lowest one is the Tenth Falls, standing at 8 feet (2.4 m). Even some of the smaller streams that flow into Sullivan Branch have their own waterfalls.
People have suggested ways to make the water less acidic, like adding limestone to the forest ground or directly into the stream. Improving the stream's health is estimated to cost around $600,000.
In a book called Pennsylvania Waterfalls: A Guide for Hikers and Photographers by Scott E. Brown, Sullivan Branch is even called "the prettiest stream in Pennsylvania."
Plants and Animals
Sullivan Branch is a special place for wildlife. Because it's a tributary of East Branch Fishing Creek, it's known as a high-quality coldwater fishery. This means it's a great habitat for fish and other creatures that need cool, clean water to survive.
You can find many interesting plants growing along the edges of Sullivan Branch. Some of these include red trillium, different colors of violets, and squirrel corn. You might also spot hobblebush growing near the stream.
Fun Activities
The entire Sullivan Branch is located within Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 13. This area is open for outdoor activities. You can hike along the stream, but be prepared for some parts where you might need to do a bit of scrambling over rocks. It's a great place to explore nature and see the beautiful waterfalls.
