Which of the following pairs of drainage patterns and their descriptions is correctly matched? 1. Dendritic : Rivers discharge waters from all directions into a depression 2. Radial : Rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions 3. Trellis : Primary tributaries flow parallel and secondary join at right angles 4. Centripetal : Resembles the branches of a tree Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct Answer is 2 and 3 only Explanation Drainage patterns describe the geometric arrangement of streams in a drainage basin. These patterns are influenced by factors such as the topography, geology, and underlying rock structure of the region. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Dendritic: Incorrect The description "Rivers discharge waters from all directions into a depression" refers to a centripetal drainage pattern. A dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree, where the tributaries join the main river at acute angles, reflecting uniform rock resistance. 2. Radial: Correct A radial drainage pattern occurs when rivers originate from a central elevated point, such as a hill or volcano, and flow outwards in all directions, resembling the spokes of a wheel. 3. Trellis: Correct A trellis drainage pattern develops in regions with folded topography, where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other. The primary tributaries flow parallel to each other in the valleys, and the secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles, cutting across the ridges. 4. Centripetal: Incorrect The description "Resembles the branches of a tree" refers to a dendritic drainage pattern. A centripetal drainage pattern is characterized by rivers converging from all directions into a central depression or lake basin. Key Takeaway Drainage patterns are classified based on the arrangement of streams and tributaries, which is determined by topography and geological structure.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

mcqeasy

Which of the following pairs of drainage patterns and their descriptions is correctly matched?

Dendritic : Rivers discharge waters from all directions into a depression
Radial : Rivers originate from a hill and flow in all directions
Trellis : Primary tributaries flow parallel and secondary join at right angles
Centripetal : Resembles the branches of a tree

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 4 only
B2 and 3 only
C2, 3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is
2 and 3 only

Explanation

Drainage patterns describe the geometric arrangement of streams in a drainage basin. These patterns are influenced by factors such as the topography, geology, and underlying rock structure of the region.

Statement-wise Analysis

Dendritic: Incorrect
The description "Rivers discharge waters from all directions into a depression" refers to a centripetal drainage pattern. A dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree, where the tributaries join the main river at acute angles, reflecting uniform rock resistance.
Radial: Correct
A radial drainage pattern occurs when rivers originate from a central elevated point, such as a hill or volcano, and flow outwards in all directions, resembling the spokes of a wheel.
Trellis: Correct
A trellis drainage pattern develops in regions with folded topography, where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other. The primary tributaries flow parallel to each other in the valleys, and the secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles, cutting across the ridges.
Centripetal: Incorrect
The description "Resembles the branches of a tree" refers to a dendritic drainage pattern. A centripetal drainage pattern is characterized by rivers converging from all directions into a central depression or lake basin.

Key Takeaway

Drainage patterns are classified based on the arrangement of streams and tributaries, which is determined by topography and geological structure.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Drainage systems

With reference to the drainage patterns observed in Indian river systems, consider the following statements: 1. The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as radial. 2. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is known as centripetal. 3. The trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles. 4. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of centripetal drainage. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the Son river: 1. It is a large south bank tributary of the Ganga. 2. It flows through a flat terrain without forming any waterfalls. 3. It joins the Ganga west of Patna. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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hard

Which of the following are the right bank tributaries of the Brahmaputra in India? 1. Subansiri 2. Kameng 3. Manas 4. Burhi Dihing Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Which of the following act as the water divide between the Arabian Sea drainage and the Bay of Bengal drainage? 1. Delhi Ridge 2. Aravalis 3. Sahyadris 4. Vindhyas Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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The correct Answer is
2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Dendritic: Incorrect
The description "Rivers discharge waters from all directions into a depression" refers to a centripetal drainage pattern. A dendritic drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree, where the tributaries join the main river at acute angles, reflecting uniform rock resistance.
Radial: Correct
A radial drainage pattern occurs when rivers originate from a central elevated point, such as a hill or volcano, and flow outwards in all directions, resembling the spokes of a wheel.
Trellis: Correct
A trellis drainage pattern develops in regions with folded topography, where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other. The primary tributaries flow parallel to each other in the valleys, and the secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles, cutting across the ridges.
Centripetal: Incorrect
The description "Resembles the branches of a tree" refers to a dendritic drainage pattern. A centripetal drainage pattern is characterized by rivers converging from all directions into a central depression or lake basin.

Key Takeaway

Drainage patterns are classified based on the arrangement of streams and tributaries, which is determined by topography and geological structure.