Answer: When a river splits into smaller streams or channels, it creates distributaries.
River tributaries are small streams of glacier water which merge to form a larger river.
Tributary | Distributary |
A tributary of a larger river that eventually joins the main body of water | A tributary that separates itself from the mainstream or parent river and travels in a different direction |
There is no direct connection to an ocean or lake here | Directly into a sea, ocean, or lake is possible |
In the upper reaches of the river, you’ll usually find this species | The lower part of the river is where you’ll typically find it |