Rectangular

Definition

In the context of stream network analysis and classification, 'rectangular' refers to a specific drainage pattern characterized by streams that flow in a pattern resembling a grid or right angles. This pattern typically forms in regions with highly jointed or fractured bedrock, where streams are influenced by geological structures that guide their paths. Rectangular drainage patterns can indicate underlying structural controls and provide insights into the hydrological behavior of the area.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rectangular drainage patterns often indicate an underlying geology that consists of jointed or faulted rock, leading to right-angle stream alignments.
2. This drainage type is particularly common in areas with limestone formations, where dissolution creates a network of fractures.
3. The presence of a rectangular drainage pattern can suggest significant tectonic activity in the region that has influenced the landscape.
4. Rectangular patterns can also result from the combination of various factors like slope steepness and land use, affecting how water flows over the surface.
5. In terms of hydrology, rectangular drainage can lead to increased stream erosion along its linear pathways due to concentrated flow.

Review Questions

• How does the rectangular drainage pattern indicate geological influences in a given area?
  • The rectangular drainage pattern suggests the presence of underlying jointed or fractured bedrock, which directs streams to flow at right angles. These structures create pathways for water flow that resemble a grid. Analyzing these patterns helps identify geological features such as faults or fractures that shape how water interacts with the landscape.
• Compare and contrast rectangular drainage patterns with dendritic patterns regarding their formation and significance.
  • Rectangular drainage patterns are formed primarily due to structural controls in the bedrock, resulting in streams flowing at right angles. In contrast, dendritic patterns develop in areas with more uniform substrate, where streams branch out randomly like tree limbs. The significance lies in their implications: rectangular patterns reveal underlying geological structure while dendritic patterns indicate a lack of such structural constraints.
• Evaluate the impact of human activities on rectangular drainage systems and their hydrological functions.
  • Human activities, such as urban development and land-use changes, can significantly alter rectangular drainage systems by modifying flow paths and affecting natural stream channels. This alteration can lead to increased runoff and potential flooding as well as changes in sediment transport dynamics. Evaluating these impacts is crucial for effective water resource management and understanding how human interventions disrupt natural hydrological processes.

Related terms

Dendritic: A drainage pattern that resembles the branches of a tree, where streams flow in a more random and less structured manner, typically forming in areas with uniform materials.

Radial: A drainage pattern where streams radiate outward from a central point, often found in volcanic regions or around isolated mountains.

Structural Geology: The study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units and their deformational histories, which can influence drainage patterns and stream behavior.