A water divide is a natural boundary that separates different drainage basins, directing the flow of water into distinct rivers or lakes. When rain falls on a landscape, the water will flow downhill, and the divide determines which direction it will go. For example, the Continental Divide in North America separates waters flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Atlantic Ocean. Water divides can be found in various forms, such as ridges or hills, and they play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle. Understanding water divides is important for managing water resources, as they influence the distribution of freshwater in ecosystems and human settlements.