Geo Lab #9

Question 1

Topographic Contour Lines

Answer 1

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation on a landscape.

Question 2

Counter line

Answer 2

The interaction of specified elevations plane with the landscape

Question 3

How to determine what’s ‘above’ and what’s ’below”’

Answer 3

• Contour lines are brown on USGS topographic maps.
• Contour interval is the difference between successive contour lines.
• Every fifth contour line is bold and labeled as INDEX CONTOUR.

Question 4

Construction Rules:

Answer 4

• Contour lines never intersect or split.
• Widely spaced contours suggest a gentle slope; closely spaced contours indicate a steep slope.
• Closed, concentric contour lines signify high points, while hachures indicate a closed depression.
• Contour lines form a “V” pattern pointing upstream where they cross stream valleys.
• Contour values repeat when slope direction changes.

Question 5

Relief:

Answer 5

The maximum elevation difference in a given area.

Question 6

Relief Calculation:

Answer 6

Relief = Maximum Elevation - Minimum Elevation

Question 7

Gradient:

Answer 7

Describes the slope of the land surface (rise/run), often expressed in feet per mile.

Question 8

Stream Gradient:

Answer 8

Similar to gradient, but measured along a stream.

Question 9

Topographic Profiles

Answer 9

A topographic profile displays elevation changes along a user-defined line.

Question 10

Construction:

Answer 10

Like plotting coordinates on a graph, with X as the distance and Y as the elevation.

Question 11

Vertical Exaggeration (V.E.)

Answer 11

Vertical exaggeration enhances elevation changes in a Topographic Profile.

Question 12

V.E Calculation:

Answer 12

V.E. = Vertical Scale / Horizontal Scale