Geography - Term 1 Unit 1: Contour lines pg 10-13 Flashcards
what are contour lines
contour lines are lines drawn on maps to show the height of land above sea level
define contour
a line on a map joining all points of the same height above sea level
what is sea level
0 meters
what is the height difference between contours called?
it is called the contour interval
define contour interval
difference in height between 2 contours next to each other
define gradient
measure to describe the steepness of a line or slope
what is the steepness of a slope called
it is called the gradient
what is the contour pattern for a steep slope
a steep slope shows contour lines that are close together
what is the contour pattern for a gentle slope
a gentle slope shows contour lines that are far apart
where do rivers flow?
rivers flow in valleys
define wedge
something that is shaped like a triangle, tapering to a narrow edge
define spur
mountain or hill that sticks out from the main mountain or line of mountains
when two rivers flow next to each other, what is there always
where two rivers flow next to each other, there is always a wedge of hilly land in between, this is called a spur
how do you find a valley with contour lines
in a valley, the contours are V-shaped and point towards high ground
how do you find a spur with contour lines
in a spur, the contours are rounded and point towards low ground
