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DRAINAGE PATTERN
Introduction:
In geomorphology, a drainage system is the pattern formed by the streams, rivers,
and lakes in a particular watershed. They are governed by the topography of the
land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the
gradient of the land.
So, Drainage pattern can be defined as the distribution of stream courses and their
spatial relationship to one another.
Types:
Depending on the topography and geology of the land, drainage patterns can be
as follows:
1. Dendritic 4. Radial 7. Irregular
2. Rectangular 5. Annular
3. Trellis 6. Parallel
1. Dendritic pattern:
Dendritic drainage systems are the most common form of drainage system. The term
dendritic comes from the Greek word "dendron", meaning tree, due to the
resemblance of the system to a tree.
There is one main river (like the trunk of a tree), which is joined and formed by
many smaller tributary rivers.
Irregular branching of tributaries joins from many directions at almost any angle
(usually 90o )
Most likely to be found upon horizontal rocks or in areas of massive
igneous/metamorphic rocks.
Md. Nur Basit Zaman (NBZ)
Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering
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2. Rectangular pattern:
This develops on a strongly jointed rocky terrain.
Drainage tends to follow the joint pattern.
Characterized by the bends in both the tributaries and the main streams.
Generally right angled joints.
3. Trellis pattern:
Trellis systems form in areas of alternating geology: Where the bands of rock
resistant to weathering alternate with bands of rock that erodes more rapidly.
The main river (the consequent) flows straight down hill.
Primary tributaries (subsequent streams) develop perpendicular to the
consequent along softer rock and erode it away.
Primary tributaries are joined at right angles by the secondary tributaries whose
courses are commonly parallel to the main stream.
This is a special variety of rectangular pattern.
Md. Nur Basit Zaman (NBZ)
Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering
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4. Radial pattern:
Figure: Radial Outward Figure: Radial Inward
a. Radial Outward:
Rivers radiate outwards from a common central point, e.g. a volcanic
cone or from a mountain range.
This center is located at an elevated location.
b. Radial Inward:
In centripetal or radial inward type, the streams flow into a common
center from the circular basin walls.
5. Annular pattern:
This type of drainage may be found around maturely dissected domes which
have altering belts of strong and weak rocks encircling them.
As breaching proceeds the initial radial drains completely disappear, influence
of slope control ceases and concentric arrangements of streams (annular
pattern) on the least resistant formations will develop if other factors are
negligible.
Md. Nur Basit Zaman (NBZ)
Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering
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6. Parallel pattern:
It consists of parallel master streams and parallel tributary streams.
Pronounced regional slopes, parallel faults and parallel topographic features are
the controlling factors in the formation of this type of drainage pattern.
Because of the steep slopes, the streams are swift and straight, with very few
tributaries, and all flow in the same direction.
7. Irregular pattern:
An irregular drainage system is a drainage system in watersheds where there is no
coherent pattern to the rivers and lakes.
It happens in areas where there has been much geological disruption.
Md. Nur Basit Zaman (NBZ)
Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering
