Question 170

Which drainage pattern is commonly found in Ganga plains and Assam Valley?

Answer

Dendritic drainage pattern

Why?

The correct answer is Option 2 Key Points The Dendritic drainage pattern is commonly found in the Ganga plains and Assam Valley. Dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree, where tributaries join the main river at various angles. This pattern develops in regions where the rock structure is relatively uniform and does not significantly influence the direction of flow, which is typical of large alluvial plains like the Ganga plains and the Assam Valley. The other options refer to different types of drainage patterns: Antecedent drainage pattern forms when a river maintains its original course and pattern despite the uplift of the land over which it flows. Radial drainage pattern occurs when streams radiate outwards from a central high point, such as a volcanic cone. Rectangular drainage pattern develops in regions with a strong, jointed, or faulted rock structure, causing streams to follow a more grid-like pattern. Additional Information These are different types of drainage patterns found in river systems based on the topography and geological structure of the area. Here's a brief explanation of each: 1. Antecedent Drainage Pattern : Definition : An antecedent drainage pattern is formed when a river or stream maintains its original course and pattern despite changes in the underlying rock structure, such as the uplift of land. Formation : This happens when the river is older than the uplift of the land. As the land rises, the river cuts through the rising terrain, maintaining its course. Example : The Indus River cutting through the Himalayas is an example of an antecedent drainage pattern. 2. Dendritic Drainage Pattern : Definition : A dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree. It is the most common and occurs when the river channel follows the slope of the terrain. Formation : This pattern forms in regions with homogenous material where the river network develops randomly. Example : The drainage pattern of the Ganga River and its tributaries is dendritic. 3. Radial Drainage Pattern : Definition : In a radial drainage pattern, rivers radiate outward from a central point, like the spokes of a wheel. Formation : This typically occurs around a central peak, such as a volcano or a dome-shaped hill. Example : The rivers flowing from the Amarkantak Plateau in India exhibit a radial drainage pattern. 4. Rectangular Drainage Pattern : Definition : A rectangular drainage pattern occurs when rivers follow a pattern of right-angle bends, creating a network of straight channels. Formation : This pattern is common in regions where the river flows along a grid of fault lines or fractures in the underlying rock. Example : The streams in the Vindhya Range in India display a rectangular drainage pattern. Summary: Antecedent Drainage Pattern : River maintains its course despite geological changes (e.g., Indus River). Dendritic Drainage Pattern : Resembles tree branches, common in uniform terrain (e.g., Ganga River system). Radial Drainage Pattern : Rivers radiate from a central point (e.g., rivers from Amarkantak Plateau). Rectangular Drainage Pattern : Rivers form a grid-like pattern along faults or fractures (e.g., streams in Vindhya Range).