Here's a breakdown:
* Continental: This refers to the fact that the divide spans a large portion of a continent.
* Divide: This signifies a line or ridge that separates areas of drainage.
Essentially, the Continental Divide is a high elevation line where rainwater and snowmelt flowing on one side will drain into one ocean, and water on the other side will drain into a different ocean.
Examples:
* The Great Divide in North America: This divide separates rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing into the Pacific Ocean.
* The Andes Mountains in South America: The Andes form a Continental Divide, directing water eastwards to the Atlantic and westwards to the Pacific.
* The Himalayas in Asia: The Himalayas act as a divide for rivers draining into the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean.
The Continental Divide is a crucial geographical feature that has shaped the landscape and ecosystems of continents over millennia.