What is a drainage divide?

A drainage divide is defined as a ridge or elevated area of land that separates two drainage basins. It acts as a boundary where water from precipitation on either side will flow into different rivers or streams. When rain falls on one side of the divide, the water will typically flow towards one basin, while rain falling on the other side will flow toward a different basin. This concept is crucial in understanding hydrology, as it helps in managing water resources, predicting flood risks, and analyzing watershed movements.

The other options do not accurately describe a drainage divide. A flat area of land is not elevated and does not inherently serve as a boundary for watershed separation. An area prone to flooding refers to a location that may experience excess water accumulation, which is unrelated to the role of a drainage divide. Lastly, a type of waterbody encompasses lakes, rivers, and ponds, rather than a geographic feature like a ridge that has the function of separating drainage areas.