Drainage divide

Europäische Wasserscheiden

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Schuylkill-Lehigh River Drainage Divides USGS, Hazelton-Mauch Chunk & Mountain Quads, NW+NE-4

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Minor drainage divide south of Buckeye Arizona aerial

Figure of a drainage basin

Drainage Divide

A drainage divide is a geographical feature that separates neighboring drainage basins. It is a significant line or boundary that directs the flow of water on either side to different rivers, basins, or seas. Drainage divides can range from subtle ridges to major mountain ranges, and they play a crucial role in determining the direction in which surface water flows across the landscape.

Definition

A drainage divide is defined as the line that separates neighboring watersheds. On one side of the divide, all the precipitation and runoff water will flow into one drainage basin, while on the other side, it will flow into another. The concept is critical in hydrology and environmental science, as it helps in understanding and managing water resources.

Types of Drainage Divides

Drainage divides can be classified into several types, depending on their scale and the landscape features that form them:

• Major or Continental Divides - These are large-scale divides that separate the watersheds draining into different oceans or large seas. An example is the Great Divide in North America, which separates rivers draining into the Atlantic Ocean from those draining into the Pacific Ocean.
• Minor Divides - These are smaller-scale divides that separate sub-basins or tributaries within a larger drainage basin.
• Artificial Divides - Human activities, such as the construction of roads, railways, and canals, can also create divides that alter the natural flow of water.

Importance

Drainage divides are important for several reasons:

• Water Resource Management - Understanding divides is essential for managing water resources, as they determine the flow of water and the distribution of runoff and precipitation.
• Ecological Significance - Divides can influence local ecosystems by affecting the distribution and flow of water, which in turn impacts plant and animal habitats.
• Navigation and Mapping - Historically, divides have been used as natural landmarks for navigation and mapping.

Challenges and Environmental Impact

Changes in land use, deforestation, and climate change can alter drainage divides, affecting water availability and quality. Human activities, such as the construction of dams and water diversion projects, can also impact natural drainage patterns, leading to environmental and ecological consequences.

See Also

• Watershed
• Hydrology
• River basin
• Water cycle