Upper Twin Island facts for kids

Upper Twin Island is a small island located in the Ohio River. It's found in Ohio County, West Virginia, in the state of West Virginia. This island is special because it has a "twin" island, called Lower Twin Island, which is located a bit further downstream. Both of these islands are actually part of the city of Wheeling. They sit in the river between Martins Ferry, Ohio and the main part of Wheeling.

Exploring Upper Twin Island

Upper Twin Island is a unique spot in the Ohio River. It's not a big, rocky island, but rather a type of island formed by sand and gravel. This makes it an interesting part of the river's landscape.

Where is Upper Twin Island Located?

Upper Twin Island is right in the middle of the Ohio River. This river is a very important waterway in the United States. The island is specifically located near the city of Wheeling, West Virginia. Wheeling is a historic city known for its bridges and river activities.

Part of Wheeling

Even though it's in the river, Upper Twin Island is officially part of the city of Wheeling. This means it falls under the city's care and rules. It's positioned between Martins Ferry, Ohio, on one side of the river, and the main land of Wheeling, West Virginia, on the other.

What is a Bar Island?

Upper Twin Island is described as a "bar island" or a "shoal." This means it's an island that formed from sand, gravel, or other sediment. These materials are carried by the river's current. Over time, they build up in one spot, especially where the current slows down.

How Bar Islands Form

Imagine a river carrying tiny bits of rock and dirt. When the river flows, it pushes these bits along. If there's a spot where the water moves slower, or if there's an obstacle, the sediment can drop to the bottom. If enough sediment piles up, it can rise above the water's surface, creating a new island. This is how a bar island like Upper Twin Island comes to be.

The Twin Islands of the Ohio River

Upper Twin Island isn't alone; it has a partner! Its "twin" is called Lower Twin Island. These two islands are close to each other in the Ohio River.

Upstream and Downstream

Upper Twin Island is located "upstream" from Lower Twin Island. Think of it like this: if you were floating down the river, you would pass Upper Twin Island first, and then you would reach Lower Twin Island. They are like two landmarks marking a section of the river near Wheeling.