| Chesapeake Bay is located in Maryland and Virginia. It is the largest estuary in North America. The bay was created more than 10,000 years ago when glaciers melted and flooded the Susquehanna River valley.
Over 400 rivers, creeks, and streams flow into the Bay. The Bay's main tributaries are the Susquehanna River, then Potomac River, and the James River.
The Bay has two navigable outlets to the Atlantic Ocean. Ships can travel north through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in Cecil County, or south through the mouth of the Bay between the Virginia Capes.
The Bay is the home of many species of fish and wildlife. Over 2,700 different species of plants and animals live in the Bay area. Links: |
