Drainage Pattern| Trellis Drainage Pattern UPSC CSE

Summary of Drainage Pattern

We study drainage patterns in two ways: a descriptive approach and a genetic approach. On the basis of descriptive approach, we study the features of the form and pattern of the streams, and on the basis of a genetic approach, we study the evolution of steam on the basis of its tectonic activity, lithology, and geometrical structure in a particular region. A drainage system is defined as origin and development through time of a stream, while drainage pattern refers to the various types of geometrical shapes and spatial arrangements the stream makes due to type of rocks and weather conditions.

Drainage pattern: The pattern and spatial arrangement of the drainage system depend on the features of the locality, direction of steam flow, weather condition, lithological condition, etc., in a particular region.

What is a trellis drainage pattern?

The trellised pattern is formed by tributaries that follow the regional slope and adapt to the geological structure. These patterns develop in a simple fold, with many forming on both sides of the ridge and intersecting with longitudinal streams at the right angle

What is the annular depression pattern?

A circular pattern, also known as a drainage pattern, is formed when tributaries flow in different directions, causing rock erosion. The main stream originates from the top point of the dome and radiates in all directions. This erosion forms clefts, and tributary streams develop an accurate shape, joining the main stream to form an annular depression pattern.

Which is an example of a radial drainage pattern?

The most suitable example of this drainage pattern is the Narmada and Son Rivers, which are Ganga tributaries that originate from the Amarkantak Range.

Drainage patterns Types:

Generally, drainage patterns are divided into the following types:

(i) Trellised Pattern

It is formed by the network of tributaries, and their main streams follow the regional slope and adjusts well to the geological structure.
These kinds of patterns develop in a simple fold.
Many streams form on both sides of the ridged, and they intersect with longitudinal streams at the right angle.
The tributaries of the trellised pattern are known as lateral consequent streams.

(ii) Dendritic Pattern

It is the most common pattern to be found on the surface of the earth.
On the basis of various networks of tributaries, it is called a dendritic pattern.
The suitable regions for the development of this kind of pattern are mountainous and hilly areas, extensive plateau surfaces, peneplain surfaces, desert plains, etc.
The most suitable example of this pattern where it is formed is the Great Plain of North India, the Deccan Plateau, and mostly in the basin of the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna, the Cauvery, the Damodar, etc.

(iii) Rectangular pattern

It is formed in that region where rock joints show the rectangular pattern of the stream.
In this pattern, streams follow fewer resistance paths, and they are concentrated at that place where the weakest type of exposed rock is found.
The tributary of streams join the main stream at right angle.
Example The most suitable examples for this pattern are the streams of the Vindhya mountain range, Chambal, Betwa and Ken.

(iv) Radial Drainage Pattern

This type of drainage pattern is known as a centrifugal pattern.
They develop at the central highest point, and their stream is diverse in all directions.
The most favorable conditions for the development of this pattern are volcanic cones, batholiths, and laccoliths, etc.
The most suitable example of this drainage pattern is the Narmada and Son Rivers which are tributaries of the Ganga and originate from Amarkantak Range.

(v) Centripetal drainage pattern

It is a completely different kind of drainage pattern, which is opposite to the radial drainage pattern.
All tributaries come and meet at the central depression point.
The best example of this drainage pattern is Loktak Lake in Manipur.

(vi) Annular depression pattern

It is also known as a circular pattern.
It is formed when tributaries flow in different directions but it is in circular form.
This kind of drainage pattern is responsible for the erosion of the rock because the main stream comes from the top point of the dome and radiates in all directions.
Due to the erosion process, it forms the clefts, then the tributary stream is developed with a specific shape and joins the main consequent stream, and forms the annular depression pattern.
The ideal example of this pattern is the Sonapat dome in Bihar.

(vii) Barbed Drainage Pattern

A Barbed drainage pattern is a very rare kind of drainage pattern.
The tributaries of the streams flow on the opposite side of the main streams, and then a barbed drainage pattern is formed.
Generally, it is formed due to river capture.

(viii) Pinnate drainage pattern

The pinnate patterns develop in the narrow valley surrounded by the steep hills.
The tributaries from parallel ridges enter the longitudinal master stream at an acute angle.
Example:- Drainage network of Upper Son and Narmada River.

(ix) Herringbone Drainage Pattern

It is known as a rig pattern.
It is developed in a mountainous area where wide valleys are bordered by parallel ridges with steep hillside slopes.
Example:- Upper Jhelum River in the valley in Kashmir.

(x) Parallel Drainage Pattern

The tributaries are developed on parallel, elongated landforms.
Their tributary streams spread in a uniform manner, following the slope of the surface.
Example:- the tributaries of the Western Ghats and Godavari, Kaveri , Krishna, and Tungabhadra.

Drainage Pattern

Trellis Drainage Pattern UPSC CSE