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A river connects a whole landscape
A watershed is the area that drains toward a shared outlet.
The idea
Water and material from upstream can affect places downstream. Watershed boundaries often follow high ground, not political borders.
An example
Rain on different sides of a ridge may flow into different rivers.
Put it into practice
Trace the drainage area, not just the visible river.
Further reading: USGS · Water Science School ↗
Test yourself: What commonly separates neighbouring watersheds?
A ridge or other drainage divide
Higher ground can direct water toward different outlets.
Explanation and illustrative examples by One Card Wiser. Source linked for further reading.
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