Drainage patterns in Africa


Centripetal
In this type of drainage pattern rivers join one central point such as a lake. Several rivers and streams discharge into one lake.

Radial
In this type of drainage pattern, rivers originate from one source and flow to different directions.
 
Parallel
In this type of drainage pattern rivers follow different channels in the same directions. They run parallel to one another. It is common in areas with ridges which run more or less parallel as can be seen in the diagram below.

Dentritic
The word dentritic is derived from the Greek word dendros which means leaf. The pattern appears like a trunk of a tree and its branches. In this type of drainage pattern, the tributaries join the main river at acute angles. It is the most common type of drainage pattern on earth.

Trellis pattern
This pattern occurs in the region where there are alternating hard and soft rocks. This where the tributaries and distributaries join the main river at almost right angles. It is related to rock structure and it is common in regions with fold and faulted landscape.

Braided patterns
This occurs in the senile or old stage where a river deposits its load and divides the channel as can be seen in the photo below.
 


Fault guided pattern
Where rivers follow a fault scarp caused by faulting for example R. Shire in Malawi, R. Zambezi in Zambia and Mozambique and R. Luangwa.
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