Understanding Tributaries: A Comprehensive Guide

A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The larger river is called the mainstem, and the point where the tributary meets the mainstem is called the confluence. Tributaries, also known as affluents, do not flow directly into the ocean. They play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle by draining water from smaller watersheds and contributing to the flow of the larger river. Tributaries can vary greatly in size, from small streams to large rivers, and they can have different characteristics, such as water flow rate, sediment load, and water quality.