Question

Differentiate between:

Tributaries and Distributaries.

Answer 1

Tributaries	Distributaries
(i) When a number of small rivers join the main river, those are called tributaries.	(i) When the main river breaks up into smaller streams, those the called distributaries.
(ii) It may originate from glaciers, lakes or springs.	(ii) It is formed from the main river.
(iii) Generally, it does not change its course.	(iii) It diverts from the main river in the delta region.
(iv) Tributaries add water to the main river.	(iv) Distributaries (take away) divert water from the main river.
(v) River Yamuna is a tributary of river Ganga.	(v) River Hooghly is the distributary of River Ganga.