Terlingua Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Terlingua Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Brewster |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Antelope Mesa 29°54′23″N 103°46′43″W / 29.90639°N 103.77861°W |
| River mouth | Rio Grande near Terlingua 29°9′54″N 103°36′36″W / 29.16500°N 103.61000°W |
Terlingua Creek is a stream located in the United States state of Texas. It is an important natural waterway in Brewster County. This creek eventually flows into the famous Rio Grande river.
About Terlingua Creek
Terlingua Creek is a natural stream in the western part of Texas. It is known for being a "desert stream." This means it might not always have water flowing in it. Sometimes it can be completely dry, especially during hot, dry seasons. Other times, after heavy rains, it can become a rushing river. This changing water level is typical for creeks in dry regions.
Where Does Terlingua Creek Flow?
The journey of Terlingua Creek begins in a place called Antelope Mesa. This is its starting point, or source. From there, the creek flows through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Brewster County. This county is in the Big Bend region of Texas, which is famous for its deserts and mountains.
The creek's journey ends when it reaches the Rio Grande. This meeting point, or mouth, is located near the small town of Terlingua. The Rio Grande is a very long river that forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico. So, the water from Terlingua Creek eventually joins this larger river.
How Much Water Does It Carry?
The amount of water in Terlingua Creek can change a lot. Scientists measure how much water flows through it at a station near Terlingua.
- Sometimes, the creek has no water at all. This happens during very dry periods.
- On average, it carries about 54 cu ft/s (1.5 m3/s) of water. This is like a steady flow.
- But after big rainstorms, the creek can become a powerful torrent. It has been recorded carrying as much as 17,200 m3/s (610,000 cu ft/s) of water! That's a huge amount and shows how quickly desert creeks can change.
This changing water flow means that the creek's environment is always adapting. Plants and animals that live near Terlingua Creek must be able to handle both very dry times and sudden floods.
