Which drainage network is characterized by water flowing along preexisting joints in the bedrock?

The correct answer relates to rectangular drainage, which is characterized by a network of streams that follow the patterns created by joints and fractures in the bedrock. This type of drainage pattern typically forms where the bedrock is jointed, causing streams to flow along these weaknesses in the rock. As water travels, it will tend to follow these preexisting paths, leading to a network that resembles a system of right-angle bends and straight streams often connected at 90-degree angles.

In contrast, other types of drainage networks exhibit different characteristics. Dendritic drainage resembles the branches of a tree with numerous tributaries forming a branching pattern, which is common in areas with uniform bedrock and less structural control. Trellis drainage forms in areas of alternating resistant and erodible rocks, resulting in a pattern of parallel streams and valleys that may resemble a garden trellis. Radial drainage occurs around a peak, such as a volcanic cone, where streams radiate outward in all directions from that central high point. Each of these patterns is distinct and arises from specific geological processes, highlighting the unique nature of rectangular drainage in relation to the structural characteristics of the bedrock.