Mapping and Delineating the York River Watershed


Overall area (square miles or hectares)

The overall area that I estimated from my delineation was 2,696 sq. mi. According to the Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science the York River Watershed covers about 2,700 square miles. I am confident my watershed delineation is accurate due to the very close estimations in area. Overall change in altitude from headwaters to mouth was very low due to being a coastal system. However, the watershed did boarder one larger mountain system. The highest altitude was 1,060 ft and the lowest altitude being 0 ft. The two major tributaries are the Pamunkey River and the Mattaponi River. The watershed boarders major cities such as Richmond, VA and Fredericksburg, VA. The York River lies between two other major Virginia Rivers the James River and the Rappahannock River which are also tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay.



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