7 Common Drainage Patterns

Radial Drainage

A radial drainage patter results when streams flow off a central peak of dome. (volcanos)

Dendritic Drainage

Dendritic "Tree" energy expanded by this drainage is efficient because the overall length of the branches is minimized.

Parallel Drainage

Is associated with steep slopes.

Deranged Drainage

Patterns are often in areas with disrupted surface patterns (glaciated shield regions of Canada) Associated with no clear geometry and no true steam valley pattern.

Rectangular Drainage

Rectangular pattern is formed by a faulted and jointed landscape, which directs stream courses in patterns of right-angle turns.

Trellis Drainage

Trellis drainage is characteristic of dipping or folded topography. exists in the nearly parallel mountain folds of the ridge and valley province in the eastern US.

Annular Drainage

pattern of stream flow in which the stream tends to form a circular path around hill. Happens when there is a layer of less resistant rock in the hill.