Williams Brook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Williams Brook |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Cayuga Lake Ithaca, New York, United States 42°27′30″N 76°31′13″W / 42.45833°N 76.52028°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1.29 sq mi (3.3 km2) |
Williams Brook is a small stream, also called a brook, located in Tompkins County, New York. It flows into Cayuga Lake near the city of Ithaca, New York. This brook is an important part of the local water system, helping to feed one of New York's famous Finger Lakes.
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Where is Williams Brook?
Williams Brook is found in the central part of New York State. It is specifically located within Tompkins County. This county is known for its beautiful natural areas and is home to several colleges and universities.
Its Journey to Cayuga Lake
The brook starts its journey in Tompkins County. It then flows a short distance before reaching its final destination. This destination is Cayuga Lake, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes. The brook enters the lake near the city of Ithaca. Ithaca is a vibrant city known for its waterfalls and gorges.
The Cayuga Lake Basin
Williams Brook is part of a larger area called a drainage basin. This means all the rain and snow that falls in this area eventually flows into the brook. The brook then carries this water into Cayuga Lake. The basin for Williams Brook covers about 1.29 square miles. This makes it a relatively small but important contributor to the lake's water supply.
Why are Brooks Important?
Even small streams like Williams Brook play a big role in nature. They help carry water from land to larger bodies of water like lakes and rivers. This process is vital for the water cycle.
Supporting Wildlife
Brooks also provide homes for many plants and animals. Fish, insects, and other small creatures live in and around the water. Birds and larger animals often visit brooks to drink water or find food. The plants along the banks help keep the soil from washing away. They also provide shade and shelter for wildlife.
Water Quality
Streams like Williams Brook help keep the water in larger lakes clean. They filter out some impurities as water flows over rocks and plants. Protecting these small waterways is important for the health of the entire ecosystem. This includes the health of big lakes like Cayuga Lake.
