Which water runoff pattern occurs along hard erosion-resistant rock shattered by fault lines?

The angular runoff pattern is characteristic of landscapes dominated by hard, erosion-resistant rocks that have been fractured by fault lines. This type of runoff pattern generally results in a network of streams and rivers that exhibit sharp angles and abrupt changes in direction, reflecting the rigidity and breaks present in the underlying geology.

In contrast to more rounded or meandering patterns found in more pliable substrates, the angular pattern's formation is heavily influenced by the structural characteristics of the rock. The fractures created by fault lines provide pathways for water flow, resulting in streams that turn sharply at these joints, creating a linear network that corresponds closely to the rock formations.

Other patterns, such as rectangular or dendritic, derive from different geological processes. Rectangular patterns occur where joints intersect at right angles, often seen in more extensively faulted or grid-like natural layers. Dendritic patterns represent a branching, tree-like structure typical of areas with homogeneous materials where water flows in a less constrained manner. Trellis patterns usually manifest in a landscape composed of alternating resistant and less resistant rock layers, leading to a more complex interaction with erosion.

Thus, angular runoff patterns specifically indicate the influence of hard, faulted rock formations on the paths water takes as it drains through a landscape.