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A branch of a river that flows away from the main stream and does not return to it, common in deltas, is called a:
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Answer: Option D — Distributary
Detailed Solution
A distributary is a branch of a river that flows away from the main channel and does not rejoin it. Distributaries are the opposite of tributaries.
Where distributaries form:
- They are common in the lower course of a river, especially in deltas, where the river slows down and deposits sediment.
- The deposits block the main channel, forcing the river to split into several smaller channels that spread out towards the sea.
- They also form on alluvial fans, where streams leave mountains and spread over plains.
Tributary and distributary:
A tributary is a smaller river that flows into a larger river, adding water to it. Example: the Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga.
A distributary carries water away from the main river. Example: the Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganga.
Examples in India:
- Ganga: the Bhagirathi-Hooghly and the Padma are its main branches; many smaller distributaries cross the Sundarbans.
- Godavari: the Gautami and Vasishta branches.
- Krishna: several distributaries in its delta in Andhra Pradesh.
- Kaveri: the Kollidam (Coleroon) is its main distributary in Tamil Nadu.
- Mahanadi: the Kathajodi and Birupa branches near Cuttack.
Examples in the world:
The Mississippi has several distributaries in its delta.
Importance:
- Distributaries spread water and fertile silt over a wide area, making deltas very productive for agriculture.
- They also create many waterways used for navigation and fishing.
- But they can shift course and cause floods.
Other river terms:
- Confluence: the place where two rivers meet.
- Source: the place where a river begins.
- Mouth: the place where a river enters the sea, a lake or another river.
- Drainage basin: the area drained by a river and its tributaries.
Why not the other options?
- ✗A tributary joins a larger river; it does not flow away from it.
- ✗A confluence is a meeting point of rivers.
- ✗A meander is a bend in a river's course.
Quick tip
Remember: Distributary = branch flowing away from the main river (deltas; Hooghly from the Ganga); tributary = river flowing into another.
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Rivers, Lakes & Dams of India — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Rivers, Lakes & Dams of India, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers India's drainage system: the Himalayan rivers (the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra systems), the peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, Tapi and Mahanadi), their tributaries and origins, waterfalls, lakes, and the major dams and multipurpose river projects. Exams ask about the origin of a river, its tributaries, the cities on its banks, and the river on which a dam is built. For example, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is on the Sutlej, the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada. Remember that the Narmada and Tapi flow west into the Arabian Sea, while most peninsular rivers flow east. Practise the rivers, lakes and dams of India questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.