How does a Yazoo tributary behave when it enters a river valley?

A Yazoo tributary is a type of stream that runs parallel to a larger river before eventually entering it. When a Yazoo tributary flows into a river valley, it does not simply merge with the larger river nor does it follow the typical path of entering the river directly. Instead, it typically flows through the adjacent backswamps or floodplains for considerable distances before it eventually connects with the main river.

This behavior is characterized by the tributary remaining at a higher elevation relative to the river, which means it can often traverse the surrounding landscape, meandering as it flows through lower-lying areas, often influenced by the hydrology and topography of the region. This unique path highlights the dynamic interaction between rivers and their tributaries, particularly in flood-prone areas, which is why a Yazoo tributary is often found flowing for many kilometers through backswamps before reaching the larger river.