Question

A drainage pattern with a stream spreading out in all directions like spokes of a wheel is called a__________ .
A.dendritic drainage
B.trellised drainage
C.radial drainage
D.none of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The patterns shaped by the streams, rivers and lakes in a specific drainage basin which are regulated by the topography of the land, whether a specific area is dominated by hard or soft rocks, and the slope of the land, form the drainage patterns of an area.

Complete Answer: Looking at the above options:

Option A: The dendritic drainage pattern is either branching or gratifying, therefore giving the impression of a tree.It evolves in a terrain which has consistent lithology, and where faulting and jointing are irrelevant.Examples: Indus, Mahanadi, Krishna. This option is incorrect.

Option B: In a trellised type of drainage pattern the short subsequent streams join the main stream at right angles, and differential erosion through soft rocks paves the path for tributaries. Example: The old fold mountains of the Singhbhum in Chotanagpur Plateau. This option is incorrect.

Option C: In radial type of drainage pattern, the tributaries from a summit follow the gradient downwards and drain down in all paths. For example, the pattern given by the rivers arising from the Amarkantak Mountain.They originate from Amarkantak Hills and flow in various directions. It is a good example of a radial pattern. This pattern resembles the spokes of a wheel. This option is correct.

Option D: This option stands irrelevant.

Hence, the correct option is C.

Note:
-Drainage pattern recognition enables to give a qualitative explanation of the topography for estimation and classification.
- It is helpful for landscape modelling and visualization and appeals to the environment. Great research has been done on the description of drainage patterns in geography and hydrology.