Continental Divide of the Americas

The principal watershed of the Americas, separating drainage toward the Pacific Ocean from drainage toward the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Its course follows mountain ranges and highlands from Alaska to Patagonia.

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Watershed: An area of land whose surface water drains to a common outlet. The divide marks the boundary between neighboring watersheds draining toward different oceans.
Rocky Mountains: A major North American mountain system extending from western Canada into the southwestern United States. Much of the divide’s best-known route follows the crest of this range.
Continental Divide Trail: A long-distance hiking route following the Continental Divide through the United States. The trail turns the divide’s mountainous course into a route for travel and recreation.
Climate change in the Rocky Mountains: Long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, snowpack, and ecosystems across the Rocky Mountains. Changing snowpack and runoff can alter the timing and volume of water flowing from headwaters on either side.
Drainage basin: An area of land drained by a river system and its tributaries. Rain falling on either side enters distinct river systems and ultimately different ocean basins.
Sierra Madre Occidental: A mountain range running along western Mexico. The divide crosses the Mexican highlands, where this range helps shape Pacific-facing drainage.
Watershed management: The planning and stewardship of land and water within drainage basins. Drainage boundaries help define the areas managed for water quality and supply.
Glacier retreat: The long-term reduction in the size and extent of glaciers. Retreating glaciers change water storage in high-elevation basins along the divide.
Continental divide: A highland boundary separating drainage flowing toward different oceans. The American divide is one major example of this geographic feature.
Andes: A mountain system extending along the western edge of South America. South of Central America, the divide follows the Andes for much of its length.