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?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only . Explanation Drainage patterns refer to the geometric arrangement of rivers and their tributaries in a drainage basin. These patterns are determined by the slope of the land, the underlying geological rock structure, and climatic conditions. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. A drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as the Dendritic pattern, not radial. The Dendritic pattern develops where the river channel follows the slope of the terrain. The Radial pattern develops when streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome structure. - Statement 2 is Correct. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions into a lake or depression, the pattern is known as Centripetal. This is essentially the opposite of the radial pattern. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles. This pattern typically develops in areas where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other. - Statement 4 is Incorrect. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range (such as the Narmada and the Son) flow in different directions away from the central highland. This presents a good example of Radial drainage, not centripetal drainage. Key Takeaway Dendritic patterns resemble tree branches; Radial patterns flow outward from a central high point (e.g., Amarkantak); Centripetal patterns flow inward into a depression; and Trellis patterns feature parallel streams with right-angle tributaries in folded topography.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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With reference to the drainage patterns observed in Indian river systems, consider the following statements:

The drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as radial.
When rivers discharge their waters from all directions in a lake or depression, the pattern is known as centripetal.
The trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at right angles.
The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range present a good example of centripetal drainage.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Drainage patterns refer to the geometric arrangement of rivers and their tributaries in a drainage basin. These patterns are determined by the slope of the land, the underlying geological rock structure, and climatic conditions.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. A drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as the Dendritic pattern, not radial. The Dendritic pattern develops where the river channel follows the slope of the terrain. The Radial pattern develops when streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome structure.
Statement 2 is Correct. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions into a lake or depression, the pattern is known as Centripetal. This is essentially the opposite of the radial pattern.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles. This pattern typically develops in areas where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range (such as the Narmada and the Son) flow in different directions away from the central highland. This presents a good example of Radial drainage, not centripetal drainage.

Key Takeaway

Dendritic patterns resemble tree branches; Radial patterns flow outward from a central high point (e.g., Amarkantak); Centripetal patterns flow inward into a depression; and Trellis patterns feature parallel streams with right-angle tributaries in folded topography.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Drainage systems

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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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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Which river is formed by the confluence of the Saraswati and the Sabarmati at Govindgarh?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. A drainage pattern resembling the branches of a tree is known as the Dendritic pattern, not radial. The Dendritic pattern develops where the river channel follows the slope of the terrain. The Radial pattern develops when streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome structure.
Statement 2 is Correct. When rivers discharge their waters from all directions into a lake or depression, the pattern is known as Centripetal. This is essentially the opposite of the radial pattern.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Trellis pattern is formed when primary tributaries flow parallel to each other and secondary tributaries join them at approximately right angles. This pattern typically develops in areas where hard and soft rocks exist parallel to each other.
Statement 4 is Incorrect. The rivers originating from the Amarkantak range (such as the Narmada and the Son) flow in different directions away from the central highland. This presents a good example of Radial drainage, not centripetal drainage.