Water gaps

[Hari_Seldon]

Although I have Googled the Delaware Water Gap, I cannot find an explanation of what the name means. What is a water gap and are there any others. I have heard of the DWG for as long as I can remember, but never heard an explanation. I have this mental picture of the Delaware disappearing under ground for a time and then reemerging to continue on down to the Atlantic, but I assume that is wrong

[bradministrator]

I don’t know why ‘water’ is in the name, but ‘gap’ is a Mid-Atlantic term for pass or notch… a cut through a ridge that allows easy passage.

[samclem]

The name in the US can be traced back in print to at least 1756.
And it’s as bradministrator says. Where a stream flows through a gap/notch in the mountains.

[astro]

Delaware Water Gap

Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania - United States

This 70,000-acre park is named for the point at which the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Mountain.

Delaware Water Gap
scenic gorge, 2 mi (3.2 km) long, cut by the Delaware River through Kittatinny Mt., on the N.J.-Pa. line; located in a mountain resort area around Stroudsburg, Pa. The gap, parts of the wooded Kittatinny Mt., several islands, and c.40 mi (64 km) of river bank are included in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (see National Parks and Monuments, table).

Kittatinny Mountain - ridge of the Appalachian system, extending across NW N.J. from Shawangunk Mt., SE N.Y., to Blue Mt., S central Pa.; rises to High Point (1,803 ft/550 m), the highest peak in New Jersey. Kittatinny Mt. is a major resort and recreation area; the Appalachian Trail lies atop the ridge. The Delaware River cuts through the eastern part of the ridge forming the Delaware Water Gap.

[Lure]

Not only that there’s a Wind Gap Pa.town no more than 15-30 mile drive from the water gap.As far as I know the wind there is the same air that passes thru the water gap.

Nearby the town of Pen Argyl lays claim to the childhood homes of Aldo Ray and Jayne Mansfield.Maybe the wind had something to do with Ray’s raspy voice and Mansfield’s lung capacity.Possibly always shouting to be heard over the wind’s roar.