Difference Between Brook and Creek

The key difference between brook and creek is their size and depth. Brooks are typically smaller and shallower than creeks.

Brooks and creeks are two types of streams or moving bodies of water, which are usually smaller than rivers. Although many people assume that these two words are synonyms, there is a distinct difference between brook and creek.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Brook
3. What is a Creek
4. Similarities Between Brook and Creek
5. Side by Side Comparison – Brook vs Creek in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is a Brook?

A brook refers to a small stream. It is shallower and smaller than rivers and creeks. It is possible to wade through a brook easily due to this shallowness.

Furthermore, brooks are usually tributary of a river; however, this may not always be the case. Brooks may also be fed by a spring or seep as well.

What is a Creek?

In the US, Australia and New Zealand, creek refers to a small to medium sized stream, which is typically smaller than a river. However, creeks are usually larger than brooks. It is also possible to navigate some creeks by motor crafts.

In the United Kingdom and India, a creek refers to a tidal inlet, usually in a mangrove swamp or in a salt marsh; for example, port Creek, which separates Portsea Island from the mainland.

What are Similarities Between Brook and Creek

• Both brooks and creeks are moving bodies of water.
• They are smaller in size than rivers.

What is the Difference Between Brook and Creek?

A creek is a small to medium sized stream, which is typically smaller than a river whereas a brook is a small stream. Therefore, this is the key difference between brook and creek. Another major difference between brook and creek is their shallowness; a brook is shallower than a creek and can be easily forded. Furthermore, their size also makes a difference between brook and creek; a creek is larger than a brook but smaller than a river.

Summary – Brook vs Creek

Both brooks and creeks are moving bodies of water. The key difference between brook and creek is their size and depth. Brooks are typically smaller and shallower than creeks.

Image Courtesy:

1.”WymingBrook”By RobChafer at English Wikipedia, (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia 
2.”Taylor-Massey Creek”By Richard apple – Own work, (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia