<P> A tributary or affluent is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or main stem ( or parent ) river or a lake . A tributary does not flow directly into a sea or ocean . Tributaries and the main stem river drain the surrounding drainage basin of its surface water and groundwater , leading the water out into an ocean . </P>
<P> A tributary or affluent is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or main stem ( or parent ) river or a lake . A tributary does not flow directly into a sea or ocean . Tributaries and the main stem river drain the surrounding drainage basin of its surface water and groundwater , leading the water out into an ocean . </P>
a small river or stream flowing into a large river
a small river or stream flowing into a large river
A tributary or affluent
A tributary or affluent