The divide

River head waters may be separated by only a few meters along the Continental Divide of North America. Consider the Columbia River that flows into the Pacific Ocean and the Missouri River that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Although they begin very close to each other, they eventually flow through different landscapes, through different cultures, making them very different rivers.

This series is a photo essay on these two major watersheds. Here we begin with head water springs. Water that flows up from below ground to form the start of a river.

Headwater spring, Columbia River Watershed

Headwater spring, Missouri River Watershed

Some rivers begin with head water lakes.

Headwater lake, Columbia River Watershed

Headwater lake, Missouri River Watershed

Small streams flow into larger streams.

Small tributary in the Columbia River Watershed

Small tributary in the Missouri River Watershed

Small tributary in the Columbia River Watershed

Small tributary in the Missouri River Watershed

Larger streams flow into rivers and lakes.

Large river, Missouri River watershed

Large river, Columbia River Watershed

Lake, Columbia River Watershed

Eventually into the large, main stem of the river.

Columbia River, main stem

Missouri River, main stem

Before flowing into the ocean.

Tethysphere will profile parts of each watershed over the weeks to come in a celebration of rivers!