DISTRIBUTARY Meaning and
Definition
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A distributary is a term used in geography and hydrology to describe a branch or channel of a river that diverges from the main channel and carries a portion of the river's flow away from it. It is typically characterized by a smaller size and a lower rate of flow compared to the main river. Distributaries are commonly found in delta regions, where rivers meet large bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes.
The formation of a distributary occurs when the main river channel bifurcates due to varying factors, including sediment deposition, changes in slope, or tectonic activity. As a result, the river's flow is divided into multiple channels, with each distributary carrying water and sediment to different areas. This branching pattern helps to reduce the velocity of water, facilitating sediment deposition and the creation of fertile deltas.
Distributaries play important roles in shaping landscapes and ecosystems. They contribute to the distribution of sediment and nutrients, allowing for the development of rich agricultural lands and diverse wetland habitats. Additionally, they can aid in flood control by providing alternative pathways for water during times of high flow.
Human activities, such as dam construction and channelization, can disrupt the natural pattern of distributaries and alter the hydrological balance of an area. Therefore, understanding the behavior and significance of distributaries is essential for managing and conserving riverine environments.
Common Misspellings for DISTRIBUTARY
- sistributary
- xistributary
- cistributary
- fistributary
- ristributary
- eistributary
- dustributary
- djstributary
- dkstributary
- dostributary
- d9stributary
- d8stributary
- diatributary
- diztributary
- dixtributary
- didtributary
- dietributary
- diwtributary
- disrributary
Etymology of DISTRIBUTARY
The word "distributary" is derived from the Latin term "distributus", which is the past participle of "distribuere". "Distribuere" can be broken down into two components: "dis", meaning "apart" or "asunder", and "tribuere", meaning "to assign" or "to allocate". So, "distributary" can be understood as a waterway that branches off or distributes from a main river or stream.
Similar spelling words for DISTRIBUTARY
- distributive,
- distributer,
- distributional,
- distribution,
- distraught,
- distributively,
- Disturber,
- distributed,
- distributor cam,
- distributor cap,
- distributor,
- distrustfully,
- distrustful,
- distribuidora,
- distribute.
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