Tinicum Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tinicum Creek
Tinicum Creek
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Tinicum
Physical characteristics
Main source	Rapp Creek, Beaver Creek 240 feet (73 m) 40°27′22.06″N 75°19′30.64″W / 40.4561278°N 75.3251778°W / 40.4561278; -75.3251778
River mouth	100 feet (30 m) 40°29′12″N 75°4′4″W / 40.48667°N 75.06778°W / 40.48667; -75.06778
Length	6.44 miles (10.36 km)
Basin features
River system	Delaware River
Landmarks	Van Sant Airport
Bridges	Geigel Hill Road, Sheep Hole Road, Sheep Hole Road, Headquarters Road, Municipal Road, Cafferty Road, Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road)

Tinicum Creek is a small river, also called a tributary, that flows into the Delaware River. It is located in Tinicum Township, which is in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States.

Facts About Tinicum Creek

Tinicum Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on September 8, 1979. This system helps keep track of names for places in the United States. The creek is also known as identification number 03218 in Pennsylvania's list of streams.

It is the biggest stream in the northeast part of Bucks County, north of the Tohickon Creek. The area of land that drains water into Tinicum Creek, called its watershed, is about 24 square miles (62 km²). The creek joins the Delaware River at its 161.60 river mile.

Where Tinicum Creek Flows

Tinicum Creek starts near Cauffman Hill. This is where two smaller streams, Beaver Creek and Rapp Creek, meet. From there, the creek winds its way, mostly flowing southeast for about 1.73 miles (2.78 km). Along this path, it gets water from two small streams joining from the left and one from the right.

Then, the creek makes a sharp turn and flows northwest. After that, it generally moves northeast for about 4.75 miles (7.64 km). Finally, it meets the Delaware River. The total length of Tinicum Creek is about 6.40 miles (10.30 km). The creek starts at an elevation of 240 feet (73 m) and ends at 100 feet (30 m). This means it drops 140 feet (43 m) in elevation.

What Rocks Are Under Tinicum Creek?

The land around Tinicum Creek is part of the Appalachian Highlands Division. Specifically, it's in the Piedmont Province, within the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section. The main types of rock found here are the Brunswick Formation and Diabase.

The Brunswick Formation is a type of sedimentary rock. It is made up of layers of mudstone, siltstone, and different shades of green, brown, and red-brown shale. These rocks contain minerals like argillite and hornfels. About 200 million years ago, hot, melted rock called magma pushed into the Brunswick Formation. This magma cooled quickly, forming a fine-grained rock called diabase. Diabase is mostly made of labradorite and augite minerals.

Bridges Over Tinicum Creek

Many bridges cross over Tinicum Creek, helping people and cars get around. Here is a list of some of these crossings: