W-E-D & Topo Maps Flashcards
Deposition
The laying down of sediment that has been eroded
Topo map
Two dimensional model of the Earths surface
Contour line
Connects points of equal elevation (elevation above sea level is shown using contour lines)
Relief
The difference between high and low elevations
Contour interval
Difference in elevation between each line (the difference must be the same between all lines)
Index contour
Usually every fifth line (printed darker and has an elevation printed on it)
Benchmark
A location who’s exact elevation is noted noted on a brass or aluminum plate (shown on maps by with the letters BM right next to them)
Map scale
Indicates the distance on the map compared to distance in the real world
Rules for contours
- ) contour lines never cross
- ) contours form closed loops even if not shown on the map
- ) contours bend upstream when crossing a stream
- ) The maximum possible elevation for a hill is one less then what the next contours should be
- steeper slope = contour lines are closer together
- gradual slope = contour lines are further apart
Weathering
Processes that work to break down rock
- destructive
- may be slow or fast
- breaks down
Deposition examples
• Floodplains- levels on the side of a river that are made of sediments that are deposited during flooding
Deposition examples
• deltas and alluvial fans-
fan shaped deposits at the mouth of streams
Deposition examples
• meanders and aoxbow lakes -
Meanders - bend in a river
Oxbow Lakes - meanders that get cut off from a river
Mechanical
- rocks broken apart by physical process
- Growing plants
- burrowing animals
- freeze/thaw cycle
Chemical
- dissolves the rocks or changes them into different minerals
- rust forming
- acid rain
- plant acids
