The Continental Divide of the Americas

07/30/25

“Where is the dividing line between Pacific-draining and Atlantic-draining watersheds in the Americas?”

The Americas are bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. This means that western portions of the continent(s) will drain to the former and eastern to the latter. But where exactly is the dividing line between these two? Well, if you were to take a line and trace the high peaks from Northern Alaska through the Rockies and Andies to Tierra del Fuego, you’d get The Continental Divide of the Americas. This divide allows people to predict where hydrology outflows are likely to occur in the Americas.