Question

Distinguish between a tributary and a distributary.

Answer 1

Tributary	Distributary
1. It is a stream which flows into a mainstream (or parent) river.	1. It is completely reverse of a tributary which branches off and flows away from the mainstream.
2. A tributary does not flow directly into a sea, ocean or lake.	2. It may or may not fall directly into a sea, ocean or lake.
3. Tributaries and the main stream river drain the surrounding drainage basin of its surface water and groundwater.	3. The distributaries normally form a delta or estuary.
4. Yamuna is tributary of the Ganga.	4. The Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganga.