Continental Divide & River Drainage Quiz
Divides, flow directions, basin identification (10 questions).
Continental Divide & River Drainage Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Explore the fascinating world of continental divides and river drainage systems with these quick study notes. Understanding how water flows across continents and which basins it fills is fundamental to geography. This section provides a concise overview of key concepts, helping you grasp the essential principles behind major hydrological boundaries and their impact on river directions.
Core Concepts
An elevated boundary, usually a ridge or mountain range, that separates adjacent drainage basins.
Often called the Great Divide, it separates water flowing to the Pacific from water flowing to the Atlantic/Arctic.
An area of land where all surface water converges to a single point at a lower elevation.
Closed drainage basins where water collects and does not flow out to any ocean.
Key Takeaways
- Continental divides are crucial hydrological boundaries determining river flow.
- The North American Continental Divide primarily separates Pacific from Atlantic/Arctic drainage.
- River flow direction is dictated by topography and gravity, moving from higher to lower elevations.
- A drainage basin (or watershed) encompasses all land whose water drains to a common outlet.
- Endorheic basins, like the Great Divide Basin, are unique because their waters do not reach the sea.
- Major rivers often define the character and economy of their respective drainage basins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary function of a continental divide?
A continental divide’s primary function is to separate drainage basins, determining which ocean or large body of water rivers will eventually flow into.
How many major continental divides are there in North America?
North America has several divides, but the most prominent are the Continental Divide (Great Divide) which separates Pacific from Atlantic/Arctic drainage, and the Eastern Continental Divide which separates Atlantic from Gulf of Mexico drainage.
What is an example of a river that flows westward from the North American Continental Divide?
The Columbia River and the Colorado River are prominent examples of rivers that flow westward from the North American Continental Divide, eventually emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
Why are drainage basins important?
Drainage basins are vital for understanding water resources, ecosystems, and human settlements. They define areas where water management and environmental policies must be integrated.
What does “river drainage” refer to?
River drainage refers to the natural process by which water from rainfall and melting snow flows over land, collecting into streams, rivers, and eventually larger bodies of water, guided by the topography of a drainage basin.
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