Contour lines that are relatively close together indicate
a slope that is fairly steep
. Contour lines that are further apart indicates a slope that is relatively flat. The area of the map above boxed in orange shows an area that has a fairly steep slope, while the area boxed in purple is a relatively flat area.
When contour lines are very close together on a topographic map the land will?
Lesson 2.3: Critical Reading. If you know how to interpret a contour map, it can tell you a lot about the shape of the land surface. The spacing of contour lines shows the slope of the land. Contour lines that are close together indicate
a steep slope
, where the elevation changes quickly over a short distance.
When contour lines are close together on a topographic map that means the area is steep?
If contour lines are close together, it is
a very steep slope
; if they are far apart, it is a gradual slope.
What do closely spaced contour lines indicate?
Closely spaced contour lines indicate
steep slopes
. Widely spaced contour lines indicate gentle slopes or relatively flat areas. A contour line that forms a closed loop with no other contour lines inside indicates a hilltop.
What do the contour lines tell you on a topographic map?
Contour lines are lines drawn on a map
connecting points of equal elevation
. Contour lines show both the elevation and illustrate the shape of the terrain.
What happens if the contour lines look like they are touching?
Closely-spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope, because the elevation changes quickly in a small area. Contour lines that seem to touch indicate
a very steep rise
, like a cliff or canyon wall. Broadly spaced contour lines indicate a shallow slope.
How far apart are contour lines on a map?
A contour is a line drawn on a map that joins points of equal height above sea level. For 1:25 000 scale maps the interval between contours is
usually 5 metres
, although in mountainous regions it may be 10 metres.
What is the space between contour lines called?
A contour interval
is the vertical distance or difference in elevation between contour lines. Index contours are bold or thicker lines that appear at every fifth contour line.
Why do contour lines never cross on a topographic map?
Contour lines never cross on a topographic map
because each line represents the same elevation level of the land
.
What are the types of contour lines?
A. Contour lines are of three different kinds. They are
the Index lines, Intermediate lines and the Supplementary lines
.
How do you read contour lines?
- Index lines are the thickest contour lines and are usually labeled with a number at one point along the line. …
- Intermediate lines are the thinner, more common, lines between the index lines. …
- Supplementary lines appear as dotted lines, indicating flatter terrain.
How do you measure contour lines?
Lighter contour lines do not have elevations, but can be determined by
counting up or down from the nearest index contour line and multiplying by the contour interval
. The contour interval is stated on every topographic map and is usually located below the scale.
What are the 5 Rules of contour lines?
Rule 1 – every point of a contour line has the same elevation. Rule 2 – contour lines separate uphill from downhill. Rule 3 – contour lines do not touch or cross each other except at a cliff. Rule 4 –
every 5th contour line is darker in color
.
What are the symbols on a topographic map?
- Brown lines – contours (note that intervals vary)
- Black lines – roads, railroads, trails, and boundaries.
- Red lines – survey lines (township, range, and section lines)
- Blue areas – streams and solid is for larger bodies of water.
- Green areas – vegetation, typically trees or dense foliage.
What is the importance of contour lines?
Contour lines are very important in teaching natural sciences because they
represent relief in an accurate way
. Relief is controlled by rock type and geological structures. These two factors influence in the location and shape of rivers, which in terms, help the development of soils and vegetation.
