Rock Creek (Potomac River tributary)

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/rock-creek-potomac-river-tributary

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is the Rock Creek (Potomac River tributary)?Approximately 76.5 square miles (198 km2)
2. What is the location?Tributary of the Potomac River, United States
3. What is the tidal influence zone?The final 400 meters (0.25 miles) of the creek are tidally influenced
4. What is Rock Creek and where does it flow?Rock Creek is a 32.6‑mile long stream that flows into the Potomac River and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean.
5. Why does Rock Creek have tides near the end?In the last quarter‑mile before it meets the Potomac, the tide from the ocean can push water back, changing how salty and deep the creek is.

Fluvial Geomorphology: The study of landforms created by rivers and streams.
Watershed: The total area of land where all precipitation drains into a common watercourse.
Estuary: A partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it.
Riparian Buffer: A vegetated area along a river or stream that helps protect water quality and aquatic habitats.