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Place Name
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Continental Divide
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Place Status (Type)
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divide
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Location
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Alaska, United States, North America
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Latitude
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unknown
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Longitude
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unknown
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Continental Divide
, the “backbone” of the continent, in N.
Amer., from N Alaska to N.Mex., it moves along the crest of the Rocky
Mts., which separates westward-flowing streams from eastward-flowing
waters. In SW N.Mex. the divide crosses an area of low relief; it
becomes more distinct in N Mexico, where it follows the Sierra Madre
Occidental. In the U.S. it has been called the Great Divide, a name
also occasionally used to designate the whole Rocky Mt. system,
especially the S sect. where the high, rugged ranges presented an
almost impenetrable barrier to westbound explorers and settlers.
Glacier, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mt. natl. parks lie on the Continental
Divide.
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