CONTINENTAL DIVIDE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "continental divide" refers to a geographical feature that acts as a dividing line within a continent, separating the flow of water into different drainage basins. It typically refers to the specific ridge or crest line that determines the direction in which water flows on either side. The continental divide can also be known as a watershed divide, drainage divide, or water divide.
Within North America, the most well-known and significant continental divide is the Great Divide. This divide runs through the Rocky Mountains, stretching from northern Alaska down to the southwestern United States, traversing through multiple states and provinces in the process. The Great Divide is crucial as it separates the flow of water into the Pacific Ocean on the western side and the Atlantic Ocean/Gulf of Mexico on the eastern side.
The continental divide plays a vital role in the hydrological cycle, as precipitation falling on either side will eventually make its way into different oceans or seas. This division is not limited to North America and can be found on other continents as well, serving as a natural boundary for water flow.
Furthermore, the continental divide often has significant ecological implications as it influences the distribution of plant and animal species. It can create distinct ecosystems and habitats on either side, affecting biodiversity and the adaptation of species to different environmental conditions. Therefore, the continental divide is a crucial geographical feature that affects both the physical and ecological aspects of a continent.
Common Misspellings for CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
- xontinental divide
- vontinental divide
- fontinental divide
- dontinental divide
- cintinental divide
- ckntinental divide
- clntinental divide
- cpntinental divide
- c0ntinental divide
- c9ntinental divide
- cobtinental divide
- comtinental divide
- cojtinental divide
- cohtinental divide
- conrinental divide
- confinental divide
- conginental divide
- conyinental divide
- con6inental divide
Etymology of CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
The word "continental divide" is composed of two parts: "continental" and "divide".
1. Continental: The term "continental" originated from the Latin word "continentālis", which means "of the continent". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "terra continens", which refers to "continuous land". The term was used to differentiate the large landmasses from the surrounding bodies of water, such as oceans or seas.
2. Divide: The word "divide" originated from the Latin word "dividere", which means "to separate" or "to split". It comes from the combination of "dis-" (apart) and "videre" (to see). The Latin term referred to physically separating something into parts or sections.
Combining these two words, the term "continental divide" refers to a geographical divide or separation that occurs across a continent.
Similar spelling words for CONTINENTAL DIVIDE
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