The Continental Divide is a mountain ridge, or watershed, that separates river systems flowing into different oceans or seas. In North America, it primarily follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains. Water flowing west of the Divide typically drains into the Pacific Ocean, while water flowing east drains into the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans. [1, 2]  
Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Watershed Separation: The Continental Divide acts as a natural boundary, determining which way water will flow. [2, 3]  
• North American Divide: In North America, the Continental Divide largely follows the Rocky Mountains, extending from Alaska to the southern tip of South America. [4, 5, 6]  
• Eastern and Western Drains: Water on the eastern side of the divide in North America generally flows towards the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, while water on the western side flows towards the Pacific Ocean. [1, 2]  
• Other Examples: The term "Continental Divide" is also used for similar mountain ridges in other continents that act as water partings, such as the Great Dividing Range in Australia. [1, 7]  
• Triple Divide Peak: In Montana, Triple Divide Peak is a notable location where the Continental Divide and the Laurentian Divide intersect, influencing the flow of water towards the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans. [8]  

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[1] https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Continental-Divide/346100[2] https://ehillerman.unm.edu/2917[3] https://cdtcoalition.org/the-continental-divide-where-watersheds-part/[4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Continental-Divide[5] https://www.visitgrandcounty.com/places-to-go/mountains-vistas/continental-divide/[6] https://www.worldatlas.com/geography/continental-divide.html[7] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/continental-divide/[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Divide_of_the_Americas
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