Vermillion Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vermillion Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North Fork Vermillion Creek and Coyote Creek 41°05′20″N 108°47′22″W / 41.08889°N 108.78944°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Green River 5,338 ft (1,627 m) 40°45′44″N 106°53′12″W / 40.76222°N 106.88667°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Green—Colorado |
Vermillion Creek is a stream that flows for about 67.5 miles (108.6 kilometers). It is a tributary of the Green River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
Vermillion Creek starts in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. It then flows southwards. Its journey ends when it joins the Green River. This meeting point is just north of a famous area called the Gates of Lodore. The Gates of Lodore are located in Moffat County, Colorado.
The Green River is a major river in the western United States. It is the largest tributary of the Colorado River. This means Vermillion Creek is part of a much larger river system. Water from Vermillion Creek eventually makes its way to the Colorado River.
The mouth of Vermillion Creek, where it meets the Green River, is about 5,338 feet (1,627 meters) above sea level. This shows how much the land slopes from its source to its end.
Contents
The Journey of a River
Rivers like Vermillion Creek are very important. They carry water from higher places to lower places. This water is vital for plants, animals, and people. The journey of a river often starts from smaller streams. These streams join together to form a larger creek or river.
Where Vermillion Creek Begins
Vermillion Creek actually begins when two smaller streams meet. These are the North Fork Vermillion Creek and Coyote Creek. Their meeting point is in Wyoming. This is called the confluence of the two streams. A confluence is where two or more rivers or streams join to form a single channel.
Flowing South
From its start, Vermillion Creek flows generally south. It crosses the border from Wyoming into Colorado. Rivers often follow the lowest path through the land. This is why they curve and wind. They are always moving towards a lower elevation.
Joining the Green River
The Green River is a very important river in the western United States. It flows through Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. When Vermillion Creek joins the Green River, its water becomes part of this larger river's flow. The Green River then continues its journey. It eventually flows into the mighty Colorado River. The Colorado River is famous for carving the Grand Canyon.
Why Rivers Are Important
Rivers are like the veins of the Earth. They carry water, which is essential for life.
Water for Wildlife
Many animals depend on rivers. Fish live in the water. Birds drink from the banks. Other animals like deer and beavers use the river for food and shelter. The areas around rivers, called riparian zones, are often very rich in wildlife.
Shaping the Land
Over thousands of years, rivers help shape the landscape. They can carve canyons and valleys. They also carry sediment, like sand and mud. This sediment can create fertile plains. The flow of Vermillion Creek has helped shape the land it passes through.
Human Uses of Rivers
People have always lived near rivers. Rivers provide water for drinking and farming. They can also be used for transportation. In modern times, rivers are used for recreation. This includes activities like fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
