Distributary vs. Tributary: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Distributary is a water channel branching off from a main river or stream, flowing away from it. Tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake.
Key Differences
A distributary detaches from the main river, usually near its mouth, distributing water and sediments into different areas. Tributary: In contrast, a tributary is a smaller watercourse that contributes its flow to a larger river, increasing its volume.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
These channels are common in river deltas, where they help form new land by depositing sediments. Tributary: Tributaries, on the other hand, are instrumental in draining surrounding regions, funneling water and resources into the main river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Distributaries often occur in areas with flat topography and contribute to the expansion of river deltas. Tributary: Tributaries can originate from various sources, like springs or runoff, and are integral in shaping the watershed of the main river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
The creation of a distributary can lead to the development of unique ecological niches due to varied sediment and nutrient distribution. Tributary: Each tributary adds its own ecological characteristics to the main river, affecting biodiversity and water quality.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
In human contexts, distributaries can be important for irrigation, navigation, and local ecosystems. Tributary: Tributaries are often crucial for local communities for resources like water supply and are key components in regional hydrological cycles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Direction of Flow
Flows away from the main river
Flows into a larger river or lake
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Location
Often near the river's mouth, in deltas
Can be located anywhere along the main river
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Role in Geography
Helps in land formation and distributing sediments
Drains the surrounding area, contributing to the main river
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Ecological Impact
Creates unique ecological areas due to sediment distribution
Influences biodiversity and water quality of the main river
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Human Use
Used for irrigation and navigation in some cases
Crucial for water resources and local livelihoods
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Distributary and Tributary Definitions
Distributary
A watercourse that splits from a river, especially in a delta.
The distributary carried fertile soil to new areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Tributary
A watercourse that adds volume to the main river.
The tributary's waters help prevent the river from drying up.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Distributary
An offshoot of a river that does not return to the main stream.
The distributary reduced the water flow in the main river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Tributary
A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The Missouri River is a major tributary of the Mississippi.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Distributary
A distributary is a branch of a river that flows away from the main stream.
The Nile Delta is formed by several distributaries of the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Tributary
A stream or river joining another river, not a sea.
The tributary brought fresh water from the mountains.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Distributary
A channel parting from a major river and leading to different paths.
The distributary provided a new route for the river's waters.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Distributary
(hydrology) A stream of water (either natural or artificial) that branches off and flows away from a main stream channel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Distributary
Tending to distribute or be distributed; that distributes; distributive.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Distributary
A branch of a river that flows away from the main stream and does not rejoin it
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
(hydrology) A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Distributary
A branch of a river that diverges and leads to a different end.
This distributary is crucial for local agriculture.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Tributary
(anatomy) A vein which drains into a another vein.
The great saphenous vein is a tributary of the femoral vein.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing.
The Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
Paying tribute to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace.
[Julius] unto Rome made them tributary.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
Hence, subject; subordinate; inferior.
He to grace his tributary gods.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
Yielding supplies of any kind; serving to form or make up, a greater object of the same kind, as a part, branch, etc.; contributing; as, the Ohio has many tributary streams, and is itself tributary to the Mississippi.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
A ruler or state that pays tribute, or a stated sum, to a conquering power, for the purpose of securing peace and protection, or as an acknowledgment of submission, or for the purchase of security.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
A stream or river flowing into a larger river or into a lake; an affluent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
Tending to bring about; being partly responsible for;
Working conditions are not conducive to productivity
The seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the city
A contributory factor
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tributary
A smaller river contributing its waters to a larger river.
Several tributaries feed into the Amazon River.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Tributary
An auxiliary stream feeding into a primary river system.
The river swells in spring, fed by numerous tributaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a tributary have its own tributaries?
Yes, tributaries can have smaller streams feeding into them.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do distributaries carry freshwater or saltwater?
They usually carry freshwater, but can mix with saltwater in estuaries.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can a tributary be larger than the main river?
Yes, some tributaries can be quite large, even larger than the main river at the point of confluence.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are tributaries only found in certain regions?
No, tributaries can be found in various geographical regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can a distributary rejoin the main river?
Typically, distributaries do not rejoin the main river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do tributaries affect the flow rate of the main river?
Yes, they contribute additional water, affecting the flow rate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What defines a distributary?
A distributary is defined by its flow away from a main river, usually in a delta.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do distributaries help in land formation?
Yes, they are key in forming river deltas by distributing sediments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can human activity create distributaries?
Yes, through river diversion or delta management.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are distributaries navigable?
Some are, depending on their size and water depth.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are distributaries common in all rivers?
No, they are more common in rivers with significant deltas.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do tributaries impact the flood risk of a river?
Yes, they can increase flood risk by adding to the river's volume.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can tributaries be artificially created?
Yes, for irrigation or water management purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are distributaries affected by tides?
In coastal areas, they can be influenced by tidal changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do distributaries play a role in agriculture?
Yes, they can be important for irrigation and fertile soil distribution.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do tributaries impact river navigation?
Yes, they can affect the navigability of the main river.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are all tributaries permanent?
No, some are seasonal, depending on rainfall and snowmelt.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Do distributaries support diverse ecosystems?
Yes, they create unique habitats due to varied sediment distribution.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can distributaries form in non-delta regions?
Rarely, they are mostly associated with deltaic regions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
How do tributaries influence river sediment?
They contribute sediment, influencing the river's sediment load.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
