The Continental Divide in North America runs along the peaks of which mountain range?

The Continental Divide in North America runs along the peaks of which mountain range?

• A. Appalachian Mountains
• B. Rocky Mountains
• C. Sierra Nevada
• D. Cascade Range

Answer: (B)

A Continental Divide marks the hydrological boundary that separates where water drains to different oceans. In North America, the main divide follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains, running from Alaska down through the western U.S. Rivers east of this crest eventually flow toward the Atlantic, Gulf, or Arctic oceans, while rivers to the west flow toward the Pacific. The other mountain ranges listed lie in different regions or do not form the primary drainage divide for the continent, so they don’t define the main continental divide. Therefore, the Rocky Mountains are the best answer.

A Continental Divide marks the hydrological boundary that separates where water drains to different oceans. In North America, the main divide follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains, running from Alaska down through the western U.S. Rivers east of this crest eventually flow toward the Atlantic, Gulf, or Arctic oceans, while rivers to the west flow toward the Pacific. The other mountain ranges listed lie in different regions or do not form the primary drainage divide for the continent, so they don’t define the main continental divide. Therefore, the Rocky Mountains are the best answer.