vízválasztó

A vízválasztó, literally translated as "water divider" in Hungarian, refers to a watershed or a drainage divide. It is a geographical feature that separates different river basins or watersheds. Water that falls on one side of a vízválasztó will flow into one river system, while water that falls on the other side will flow into a different one. These divides can range in size from small local features to major continental divides.

The formation of a vízválasztó is typically due to topography. Hills, mountains, and ridges often act as natural barriers that direct the flow of water. Over long geological timescales, erosion and tectonic activity can shape these features, influencing where water is channeled. The concept of a vízválasztó is fundamental in hydrology and geography, crucial for understanding water resource management, drainage patterns, and the distribution of aquatic ecosystems.

Major vízválasztók can have significant ecological and geographical implications, influencing climate and the distribution of flora and fauna. For example, the Great Dividing Range in Australia is a prominent example of a major vízválasztó. Understanding the location and function of a vízválasztó is essential for planning infrastructure such as canals, reservoirs, and for predicting the impact of land use changes on water availability and quality in connected river systems.