the Continental Divide

The Continental Divide is a natural mountain ridge in North America that separates river systems flowing eastward from those flowing westward. Essentially, precipitation on the west side drains toward the Pacific Ocean, while on the east side it heads toward the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. It runs through the Rocky Mountains from Alaska to New Mexico, acting as a geographic boundary determining the direction water travels in the continent's drainage basins. This divide is a key feature of North America's physical landscape, influencing water flow, ecosystems, and regional geography.