The way in which tributaries and rivers branch off in different directions is known as _________.
In the geomorphology terms, drainage systems are also known as river systems. These are the patterns formed by the streams, rivers, and lakes in the drainage basin. They are governed by the topography of the land, whether a particular region is dominated by hard or soft rocks and the gradient of the land. The elevated area as a mountain, which separates two drainage basins is known as water divide. In the drainage basin area, precipitation collects and further drains off into a common outlet. It is a completely natural water system in a drainage basin.
Above information clears the facts the way in which tributaries and rivers branch off in different directions is known as drainage pattern. So the correct option is D.