Which is the most common runoff pattern?

The most common runoff pattern is dendritic, which resembles the branches of a tree. This pattern forms in areas where the underlying geology consists of uniform rock types, allowing water to flow relatively freely in all directions. As water drains, it follows the path of least resistance, creating a network of tributaries that diverge from a main channel, much like tree branches splitting from the trunk.

Dendritic patterns are indicative of erosion and sediment transport processes where water flows downhill, creating a natural drainage system. This pattern is prevalent in many environments, especially in regions with flat or gently rolling terrain, where there are no significant geological barriers to influence runoff direction.

Other patterns, such as trellis, radial, and rectangular, have more specific geological or topographical influences, making them less common in the broader context of natural landscapes. For instance, trellis patterns develop in areas where there are alternating bands of hard and soft rock, and radial patterns occur around a central peak or cone, like volcanoes. Rectangular patterns are typically found in areas with a highly jointed bedrock structure. Each of these patterns is shaped by distinct environmental factors, but dendritic is the most prevalent type found across varied landscapes due to its adaptability to general drainage processes.