Explore the physical map of Delaware shown below, Delaware’s physical features include its low elevation, with the highest point at only 448 feet near Ebright Azimuth. The state is part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by flat terrain and sandy soil. Major water features include the Delaware River, the Delaware Bay, and numerous coastal estuaries. Delaware has 28 miles of Atlantic coastline, supporting wetlands and beaches. The state’s inland is dotted with rivers like the Christina and Nanticoke, along with lakes such as Lums Pond, contributing to its ecological diversity.
Explore physical map of Delaware state of United States showing geographical / physical features with rivers, landforms, mountains, plateau, peaks, lakes, etc.
Geographical Facts of Delaware
Feature
Details
Significance
Total Area
1,949 square miles
Second smallest state in the U.S.; compact size supports efficient administration and transport.
Highest Point
Ebright Azimuth (448 feet above sea level)
One of the lowest high points among U.S. states; located near the Pennsylvania border.
Lowest Point
Sea level at the Atlantic Ocean
Significant for coastal ecosystems and maritime activities.
Main Rivers
Delaware River, Christina River, Nanticoke River, Broadkill River
Essential for commerce, water supply, recreation, and biodiversity.
Main Lakes
Lums Pond, Silver Lake, Trap Pond, Lake Como
Support recreational activities, wildlife habitats, and water management.
Coastline
28 miles along the Atlantic Ocean
Supports tourism, fishing, and coastal habitats.
Physiographic Region
Atlantic Coastal Plain
Characterized by flat terrain, sandy soils, and wetlands.
Major Cities
Wilmington, Dover, Newark
Centers for commerce, government, and education.
Wetlands
Over 25% of Delaware’s area
Critical for flood control, water filtration, and wildlife habitats.
Climate
Humid subtropical
Mild winters and hot summers; supports diverse agricultural and recreational activities.
Neighboring States
Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Geographically strategic for commerce and transportation in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Natural Resources
Rich soils, water resources, fish, and timber
Supports agriculture, fishing, and local industries.
List of Rivers in Delaware
River
Length (Miles)
Watershed
Key Cities/Towns
Significance
Delaware River
301 (shared across states)
Delaware River Basin
Wilmington, New Castle
Forms the eastern border of Delaware; crucial for commerce, navigation, and water supply.
Christina River
35
Christina Basin
Newark, Wilmington
Flows through Wilmington; supports industry and recreation; historically significant for trade.
Brandywine Creek
20 (in Delaware)
Christina Basin
Wilmington
Key source of drinking water; known for scenic beauty and historical mills.
Nanticoke River
64 (shared with Maryland)
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Seaford, Laurel
Supports agriculture, fishing, and biodiversity; vital for southern Delaware's ecosystem.
Indian River
15
Inland Bays Watershed
Dagsboro
Flows into Indian River Bay; supports tourism and recreation in coastal Delaware.
Mispillion River
15
Mispillion Watershed
Milford
Historically significant for shipbuilding; supports local wildlife and recreational fishing.
Broadkill River
25
Inland Bays Watershed
Milton
Flows into Delaware Bay; known for wildlife habitats and water-based activities.
St. Jones River
12
Delaware Bay Watershed
Dover
Flows through the state capital; supports local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Chester River
43 (shared with Maryland)
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Clayton
Important for agriculture and regional biodiversity; supports local communities.
List of Lakes in Delaware
Lake
Area (Acres)
Location
Key Features
Recreational Activities
Lums Pond
200
Bear
Delaware’s largest freshwater pond located in Lums Pond State Park.
Freshwater lake surrounded by local wildlife habitats.
Fishing, canoeing, walking trails.
Griffith Lake
32
Milford
Man-made lake known for its serene environment.
Fishing, kayaking, bird watching.
Lake Gerar
15
Rehoboth Beach
Small lake near the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk.
Fishing, walking trails, scenic viewing.
List of Plains in Delaware
Plain
Region
Area (Square Miles)
Key Features
Significance
Atlantic Coastal Plain
Entire State
1,949
Flat terrain with sandy soils, wetlands, and river valleys.
Dominates Delaware’s geography; supports agriculture, wetlands, and biodiversity.
Delaware is entirely part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which is characterized by its flat landscape and low elevation. The state's geographic features include sandy soils, estuaries, and wetlands that contribute to its ecological and economic significance.
Geography of Delaware
Delaware, located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, is the second smallest state by area, covering only 1,949 square miles. Despite its compact size, Delaware's geography is diverse, featuring coastal plains, wetlands, rivers, and a short Atlantic coastline. The state's strategic location between Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey has made it an important hub for commerce, agriculture, and tourism.
Physiographic Features
1. Atlantic Coastal Plain
Delaware is entirely situated within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by flat terrain, sandy soils, and a network of wetlands and estuaries. This physiographic region is ideal for agriculture and supports a variety of ecosystems.
2. Elevation
Highest Point: Ebright Azimuth (448 feet above sea level) near the Pennsylvania border.
Lowest Point: Sea level along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Average Elevation: Approximately 60 feet above sea level.
Delaware’s low elevation makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal flooding.
3. Rivers
Delaware is home to several significant rivers:
Delaware River: Forms the eastern border and is a major commercial and navigational waterway.
Christina River: Flows through Wilmington, supporting industrial and recreational activities.
Nanticoke River: Flows through southern Delaware, supporting agriculture and biodiversity.
4. Lakes
While Delaware lacks natural lakes, it has several man-made and natural ponds:
Lums Pond: The largest freshwater lake, located in Lums Pond State Park, covering 200 acres.
Silver Lake: A 167-acre lake in Dover, used for recreation and as a water reservoir.
5. Coastline and Beaches
Delaware has 28 miles of Atlantic coastline, including popular beaches such as:
Rehoboth Beach: Known for its boardwalk and vibrant tourism industry.
Dewey Beach: Famous for water sports and nightlife.
Additionally, the Delaware Bay provides essential habitats for migratory birds and marine life.
Climate
Delaware has a humid subtropical climate, featuring mild winters and hot, humid summers:
Average Annual Temperature: 55°F (13°C).
Precipitation: Approximately 45 inches annually, evenly distributed throughout the year.
The state's climate supports diverse agricultural activities, including poultry farming and crop production.
Natural Resources
Delaware's geography supports a variety of natural resources:
Rich soils: Ideal for farming crops such as corn, soybeans, and vegetables.
Water resources: Rivers and estuaries provide drinking water and support fisheries.
Forests: Cover about 30% of the state, supporting timber production and wildlife.
Environmental Concerns
Delaware faces several environmental challenges:
Rising Sea Levels: Threatens low-lying areas and coastal ecosystems.
Coastal Erosion: Impacts beaches and infrastructure.
Water Pollution: Industrial activities and urban runoff affect river and bay health.
Geology of Delaware
Delaware's geology is shaped by its location on the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont regions. The state’s geologic features span two distinct physiographic provinces, reflecting millions of years of Earth’s history. Delaware's geology significantly impacts its water resources, soil composition, and natural resource availability, influencing agriculture, development, and ecosystems.
Geologic Provinces
1. Atlantic Coastal Plain
Location: Covers most of Delaware, including southern and central regions.
Characteristics: Composed of sedimentary deposits like sand, silt, clay, and gravel that were laid down during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic periods.
Thickness of Sediments: Varies from 0 to 8,000 feet near the Atlantic Ocean.
Significance:
Rich soils for agriculture.
Provides extensive groundwater resources stored in aquifers.
Supports wetlands and estuaries critical for biodiversity.
2. Piedmont Province
Location: Found in northern Delaware near Wilmington and the Pennsylvania border.
Characteristics: Consists of crystalline metamorphic and igneous rocks, including schist, gneiss, and amphibolite.
Age: Rocks in this region date back to the Precambrian and early Paleozoic eras, over 500 million years old.
Significance:
Provides durable building materials like stone.
Features scenic topography with rolling hills.
Major Geologic Formations
1. Potomac Formation
Age: Cretaceous Period (65-145 million years ago)
Composition: Sands, silts, and clays deposited by ancient rivers.
Significance: Forms a major aquifer system in central and southern Delaware.
2. Columbia Formation
Age: Pleistocene Epoch (2.6 million - 11,700 years ago)
Composition: Sands and gravels from glacial outwash deposits.
Significance: Critical for water supply as it recharges local aquifers.
3. Wissahickon Formation
Age: Precambrian to Paleozoic Era
Composition: Highly metamorphosed rocks, including schist and gneiss.
Significance: Provides durable building material and contributes to the Piedmont's rugged landscape.
4. Chesapeake Group
Age: Miocene Epoch (5-23 million years ago)
Composition: Marine deposits including clays and sands.
Significance: Important for understanding the ancient marine environment of the region.
Aquifers and Water Resources
Delaware’s geology supports an extensive network of aquifers that provide drinking water and irrigation:
Columbia Aquifer: A shallow, unconfined aquifer supplying water to agricultural and residential areas.
Potomac Aquifer: A deep, confined aquifer with large water storage capacity.
Piney Point and Cheswold Aquifers: Key sources of groundwater in central Delaware.
Groundwater accounts for 70% of Delaware’s drinking water, emphasizing the importance of geologic formations in water management.
Mineral Resources
Sand and Gravel: Widely extracted for construction and road building.
Clay: Used in brick and tile manufacturing.
Crushed Stone: Derived from the Piedmont region and used in construction.
Geologic Hazards
Delaware faces several geologic challenges:
Coastal Erosion: Affects beaches and infrastructure along the Atlantic coastline.
Sea Level Rise: Threatens low-lying areas due to Delaware’s flat terrain.
Groundwater Contamination: Increased by agricultural runoff and industrial activities.
Climate of Delaware
Delaware experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The state's location in the Mid-Atlantic region influences its climate, with weather patterns affected by the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Delaware's climate plays a critical role in shaping its agriculture, ecosystems, and quality of life.
Seasonal Characteristics
1. Spring
Temperature Range: 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C)
Features: Transition period with moderate rainfall and blooming vegetation.
Average Rainfall: 3-4 inches per month.
2. Summer
Temperature Range: 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C)
Features: Hot and humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Average Rainfall: 4-5 inches per month, often from short, intense storms.
3. Autumn
Temperature Range: 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C)
Features: Cool, crisp weather with less humidity and colorful foliage.
Average Rainfall: 3-4 inches per month.
4. Winter
Temperature Range: 25°F to 45°F (-4°C to 7°C)
Features: Mild winters with occasional snowfall, particularly in northern Delaware.
Average Snowfall: 10-15 inches annually, with most accumulation in January and February.
Average Annual Climate Data
Average Annual Temperature: 55°F (13°C)
Average Annual Rainfall: 45 inches
Average Annual Snowfall: 10-15 inches
Humidity Levels: Higher in summer, averaging around 80% during peak months.
Climate Zones in Delaware
Delaware's climate can be divided into two primary zones:
1. Northern Zone
Located in New Castle County.
Features slightly cooler temperatures due to its proximity to the Piedmont region.
Receives slightly more snowfall than southern areas.
2. Southern Zone
Includes Kent and Sussex Counties.
Characterized by warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels.
Influenced by coastal breezes, particularly near the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
Impact of Climate on Agriculture
Delaware’s humid subtropical climate is ideal for agriculture, particularly for crops such as:
Corn: A staple crop grown extensively in central and southern Delaware.
Soybeans: Thrives in Delaware’s warm growing season.
Vegetables: Includes cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons grown in coastal areas.
The state’s mild winters and ample rainfall also support poultry farming, which is a major industry.
Extreme Weather Events
1. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
Delaware is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November).
Examples include Hurricane Sandy (2012), which caused significant flooding and coastal erosion.
2. Nor’easters
Winter storms that bring heavy rain, snow, and high winds, particularly in northern Delaware.
Nor’easters often lead to coastal flooding and power outages.
3. Heatwaves
Occur during summer months, with temperatures exceeding 95°F (35°C).
Increased humidity during heatwaves exacerbates heat-related illnesses.
Environmental Concerns
Rising Sea Levels: Delaware is particularly vulnerable due to its low elevation, with projected sea level rises threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
Flooding: Frequent in low-lying areas during heavy rains, hurricanes, and high tides.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns impact agriculture, biodiversity, and water resources.
