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  • Continental Divide: Separating Atlantic & Pacific Watersheds - A Comprehensive Guide
    The dividing line between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds is called the Continental Divide.

    It's a complex, mountainous system that stretches through North and South America. Here's a breakdown:

    North America:

    * The Continental Divide runs along the crest of the Rocky Mountains, from the Arctic Ocean to the Isthmus of Panama.

    * The Great Divide is a synonym for the Continental Divide in North America.

    * Watershed: Water falling on one side of the divide flows eastward to the Atlantic Ocean, while water falling on the other side flows westward to the Pacific Ocean.

    South America:

    * The Andes Mountains form the Continental Divide in South America.

    * Watershed: Water falling on the eastern side of the Andes flows eastward to the Atlantic Ocean, while water falling on the western side flows westward to the Pacific Ocean.

    Key Points:

    * The Continental Divide is not a single, continuous line, but rather a complex series of mountain ranges and peaks.

    * It is a critical feature in the geography of North and South America, influencing the flow of water, weather patterns, and the distribution of plant and animal life.

    * Some rivers and streams flow in one direction, then cross the divide and flow in another direction.

    It's a fascinating example of how physical geography shapes our world!

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