Interpreting Contour Maps Flashcards
What is a “contour interval”?
The difference in elevation between two contour lines.
Every 5th line often darker and has the elevation marked on it
What do concentric circles of contour lines indicate?
A hill
What do evenly spaced contour lines indicate?
Uniform slope
Widely spaced contours indicate what?
A gentle slope
Tightly spaced countours indicate what?
A steep slope
What do widely spaced contours at the top of a hill indicate?
A flat hilltop
What do tightly spaced contours at the top of a hill indicate?
A pointed hilltop
What is a “saddle”?
A flat or depressed area between two hilltops
What types of contours indicate a steam or drainage, and how do you know its direction?
- V-shaped contours
- Point of “V” points uphill
What do “U” shaped contours indicate?
- Ridges
- bottom of the U pointing downhill
Where can “M” or “W” shaped contours be found?
Upstream from stream junctions
What do circles with hatch lines indicate?
A depression, pit, or sinkhole
True or false: Contour lines do not cross eachother.
True
Where are spot elevations often shown?
At summits, road intersections, and lake surfaces
Where is the outlet in a watershed?
At the lowest elevation of the watershed boundary.
