Drainage Patterns and Flow of Water

The patterns of drainage in a given area are influenced by various physical factors such as topography, geology, and climate. The six main types of drainage patterns are: 

Dendritic pattern

This pattern is characterized by a network of tributaries that converge to form the main channel, much like the branches of a tree. This pattern is often found in areas with a gentle slope and uniform rock type, where water can easily flow in multiple directions. An example of a dendritic drainage pattern is the Mississippi River basin in the United States.

Trellis pattern

This pattern is characterized by parallel sub-parallel tributaries that join the main channel at approximately right angles. This pattern is often found in areas with alternating hard and soft rock layers, where the hard layers restrict the flow of water and cause it to converge in narrow channels. An example of a trellis drainage pattern is the Brahmaputra River in Asia.

Radial pattern

This pattern is characterized by streams that originate from a central point and radiate outward, much like the spokes of a wheel. This pattern is often found in areas with a central peak or dome-shaped uplift, where water flows in all directions from the high point. An example of a radial drainage pattern is the Deccan Plateau in India.

Centripetal pattern

This pattern is characterized by streams that converge towards a central point, much like the inward flow of a whirlpool. This pattern is often found in areas with a central low-lying depression, where water flows inward towards the lowest point. An example of a centripetal drainage pattern is the Great Basin in the western United States. 

Annular Pattern

This type of drainage pattern is formed in areas of relatively flat terrain with a central upland that has resistant rock layers. Streams flow away from the central upland in a circular pattern. An example of this type of drainage pattern is seen in the Deccan Plateau in India.

Deranged Pattern

This type of drainage pattern forms in areas of highly irregular topography, such as areas of glacial erosion or areas of tectonic activity. Streams in this type of drainage pattern are often disconnected and not well-defined. An example of this type of drainage pattern is seen in the Kashmir Valley in India.

The flow of water in drainage systems can also be influenced by the type of flow, including laminar flow, turbulence, and supercritical flow. Laminar flow occurs when water flows in a smooth, uniform manner, without any turbulence or mixing. Turbulent flow occurs when water is disrupted by turbulence, such as when it flows over a rough surface or through a narrow channel. Supercritical flow occurs when the flow rate of water exceeds the capacity of the channel, resulting in a mixture of water and air.

In addition to understanding the drainage pattern, geologists and water resource managers must also consider the flow of water, as different types of flow can have different impacts on the environment. “For example, the laminar flow may cause sediment to settle out of the water column, while turbulent flow can cause erosion and sediment transport.“ Understanding the flow of water can help inform decisions about water resource management, land use planning, and the design of infrastructure such as dams and levees.

A water divide, also known as a drainage divide or hydrological divide, is a line or ridge that separates two drainage basins, or regions of land that are drained by different river systems. A water divide marks the highest point from which water flows in two different directions, and it determines which rivers will carry water away from a given area of land.

The pattern of flow made by water is influenced by a number of factors, including the slope of the land, the permeability of the soil, and the presence of any physical barriers such as mountains or valleys. In general, water will flow downhill and follow the path of least resistance until it reaches a river or other body of water.