White Oak River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Oak River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | North Carolina |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean |
| Length | 48 mi (77 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | White Oak River |
The White Oak River is a special kind of river, about 48 miles (77 km) long, located in the southeastern part of North Carolina in the United States. It's known as a "blackwater river" because its water looks dark, like tea, due to the plants and soil it flows through. This river eventually flows into the big Atlantic Ocean.
Where Does the White Oak River Start and Go?
The White Oak River begins in a wetland area called the White Oak Pocosin. This is in northern Onslow County and southern Jones County, about 15 miles (24 km) north of a city called Jacksonville.
From its start, the river flows first towards the east, then turns to the south-southeast. It forms a natural border between Onslow, Jones, and Carteret counties. It also runs along the western edge of the Croatan National Forest.
The last 10 miles (16 km) of the river are like a wide, watery arm of the sea, called a tidal estuary. Here, the river water mixes with salty ocean water. This part of the river is about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. The White Oak River finally reaches the Atlantic Ocean through Bogue Sound. It then passes between two long, narrow islands, Bogue Banks and Bear Island, before flowing into the open ocean at Onslow Bay.
What Kinds of Life Live in the White Oak River?
The White Oak River flows through many different natural areas, called habitats. These include wet, forested areas known as swamps, regular hardwood forests, and flat areas near the coast called salt marshes.
A wide variety of wildlife can be found living in and around the river and its smaller streams. These smaller creeks offer safe places for many small animals like fish, snakes, and frogs. Many different plants also thrive here.
Along the river, there are very old bald cypress trees. Some of these trees are believed to be over one thousand years old! You can also find many alligators living along the riverbanks.
In 2016, scientists discovered a new type of tiny living things, called Hadesarchaea, near the White Oak River. These amazing microorganisms have a special way of getting energy, called chemosynthesis, and they live in hot places with very little oxygen.
