Grade –X (Geography)
Notes on Survey Map
DRAINAGE PATTERN
The term drainage basin describes an area drained by a network
of rivers along with the tributaries and distributaries. An area
drained by a single river is called a Catchment Area.
A drainage system as seen in the topographical sheets usually
develops a pattern which is related to the general structure of its
basins. Four distinct patterns can be recognized: Dendritic, Trellis,
Radial and Disappearing.
1) DENDRITIC PATTERN
The Dendritic pattern develops in a region which is made of
rocks having uniform structure. The directions of the river and its
tributaries are determined by the slope. The river and its
tributaries make a pattern like the veins of a leaf.
Dendritic Pattern –Shown in the map extract.
2) TRELLIS PATTERN
The Trellis drainage pattern develops in a region which is made
up of alternate belts of hard and soft rocks or in regions of
limestone rocks. It is a rectangular drainage pattern with streams
parallel to each other and joining the main stream at right angles.
TRELLIS PATTERN
Observe the Trellis pattern pointed with an arrow in the southern
part of the map.
3) RADIAL DRAINAGE
It is a drainage pattern with streams spreading out in all
directions like the spokes of a wheel. A radial drainage pattern
usually develops on a conical hill or volcanic dome.
Observe the Radial Pattern –Conical hill with spot height 542
4) DISAPPEARING PATTERN
When rivers or streams do not have enough water, they dry up
or disappear into the sand. The water of the streams or
tributaries is absorbed in the soil before it joins the main river. At
times the river may flow underground and reappear again.
They are indicated by the broken lines. (----------)
DISAPPEARING PATTERN
Observe the Disappearing Pattern in the southern part of the map
pointed with an arrow.
TERMS RELATED TO DRAINAGE BASIN
The terms used while interpreting the drainage basin of a river are
as follows.
1) A river’s source – is the place where from river begins to flow.
Source of the river can be determined by receding spot
heights. The river flows through the highlands.
2) A river’s mouth- is a place where the river generally ends,
usually in the sea.
3) The gradient of the river- indicates the three stages of the
river which are (i) Upper (Youthful),(ii) Middle (Mature)and
(iii)Lower (Old)
⮚ In the ‘youthful’ stage the gradient is very steep and it can
be seen on the survey map by the alignment of contours
which are closely drawn. Vertical erosion is very dominant
resulting in the formation of V-shaped valleys. The river is
shown as a straight line.
⮚ In the middle or mature stage, the river flows through a flat
land. The contours are drawn far apart. In this stage, the
river tends to meander and often tends to become divided
into many channels. U shaped valleys are formed.
⮚ In the lower stage, the river enters its old stage which is also
known as the plain stage .The gradient is very gentle.
Erosion activity is very less and deposition is prominent. The
distant contour lines indicate the flat land.
4) Broken Ground- It gives rise to Badland topography. These
are generally found along the banks of the rivers. Broken
ground is caused by erosion when the river is flooded. It
usually happens in the area which is devoid of vegetation.
Map extract showing
broken ground found along
the bank of the river.
5) Watershed or Water Divide- A ridge or highland dividing two
areas that are drained by different river systems. On one side
of a watershed rivers and streams flow in one direction and
On the other side, they flow in another direction .It is also
called water parting.
6) Inland Drainage – The streams that flow in a pond or lake are
called Inland drainage.
7) Perennial River- There is a thin blue-colored water channel
showing the presence of water throughout the year.
Map showing Balram Nadi with water channel which is perennial (Thin Blue
colour line)
