vízmegosztó

A vízmegosztó, often translated as water divider or watershed, refers to a geographical feature or artificial structure that separates different drainage basins. In natural landscapes, this typically takes the form of a ridge, mountain range, or high ground. Water falling on one side of this divide will flow into one river system or body of water, while water falling on the other side will flow into a different one. Prominent examples include continental divides, such as the Great Divide in North America, which separates waters flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing towards the Pacific Ocean.

Artificial vízmegosztók can also be constructed, particularly in areas with limited water resources or for specific agricultural or engineering purposes. These might include canals, dykes, or other structures designed to divert or control the flow of water between different areas. The concept of a vízmegosztó is fundamental to hydrology and geography, influencing patterns of water availability, erosion, and the distribution of aquatic ecosystems. Understanding these divisions is crucial for water management, resource allocation, and studying the historical and geological development of landscapes. In some contexts, the term can also extend to social or political divisions related to water access and rights, though its primary meaning is geographical.