Tradewater River facts for kids
The Tradewater River is a river in western Kentucky, United States. It flows into the Ohio River. The Tradewater River is about 136 miles (219 km) long. It helps drain an area of about 932 square miles (2,414 sq km). This area is made of limestone hills. The river flows between the Cumberland River and the Green River.
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Where Does the Tradewater River Start?
The Tradewater River begins in northern Christian County. This is about 8 miles (13 km) north of Hopkinsville. The river then flows mostly northwest. It has many curves and bends, which are called meanders.
Places Along the River
As it flows, the Tradewater River passes by Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park. A smaller stream that flows into the Tradewater River forms Lake Beshear. This lake is just a short distance upstream from where the smaller stream joins the Tradewater. The river also flows past the town of Dawson Springs. Finally, it joins the Ohio River about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Sturgis.
How Much Water Flows?
Near the town of Providence, the Tradewater River usually carries about 1,070 cubic feet of water every second. This is its average flow each year.
What is the Land Around the River Like?
The Tradewater River flows gently for most of its path. It has a low gradient, which means it doesn't drop much in height. The river forms a natural border between two different types of land.
Different Land Regions
To the northeast of the river is the Shawnee Hills region. This area has rocks like limestone, sandstone, and shale. These rocks were formed during the Pennsylvanian period. They also contain deposits of coal.
To the southwest is the Pennyroyal Plateau region. This area is a high, flat land that has been cut into by rivers. The rocks here are mostly limestone from the Mississippian period. Smaller streams that feed into the upper Tradewater River drain this Pennyroyal region.
River Health Over Time
By the year 1990, a lot of mining activity had taken place in the area around the Tradewater River. This activity caused the river to become filled with silt. Silt is fine dirt or sand that can make the water cloudy and affect the river's environment.
Images for kids
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Tradewater River in Dawson Springs, Kentucky
