GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A tributary is a freshwater stream that feeds into a larger stream or river. The larger, or parent, river is called the mainstem. The point where a tributary meets the mainstem is called the confluence. Tributaries, also called affluents, do not flow directly into the ocean.

Detailed explanation-2: -Small streams often flow into bigger streams or rivers. The small streams are called tributaries. A river and all its tributaries make up a river system.

Detailed explanation-3: -These smaller streams are called tributaries. Streams create channels by wearing down rock and carrying it and other sediment downstream. This process is called erosion.

Detailed explanation-4: -One method of classifying streams is through physical, hydrological, and biological characteristics. Using these features, streams can fall into one of three types: perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral.

Detailed explanation-5: -"Right tributary", or “right-bank tributary", and “left tributary", or “left-bank tributary", are terms stating the orientation of the tributary relative to the flow of the main stem river. These terms are defined from the perspective of looking downstream (in the direction the water current of the main stem is going).