In Map E. CI= 20ft. Answer: a) How many closed depressions can you count on that map? ......................... b) How many hills can you count on that map? .........................

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In Map E. CI= 20ft. Answer:
a) How many closed depressions can you count on that map? .........................
b) How many hills can you count on that map? ......................... 

**Characteristics of Contours**

Learning to read contour maps effectively is not an easy task. Nature has few lines reminiscent of contour lines, and the visualization of a three-dimensional surface represented only by contours requires careful study and practice. After some training, however, you should be able to visualize the landscape represented by a contour map. You will obtain more quantitative information from a contour map than from any other type of map or image. The following basic rules will help you get started:

**A.** The difference in elevation between adjacent contours is constant on any given map and is referred to as the contour interval, or CI. The most frequently used contour interval on 7½-min and 15-min quadrangles is 20 ft.

*Diagram Explanation*: The diagram illustrates contour lines surrounding a peak labeled "1500." The lines are evenly spaced and show elevation.

**B.** Contour lines trend up a valley, cross the stream, and extend down the valley on the opposite side. The lines form a V pattern, with the apex of the V pointing upstream.

*Diagram Explanation*: There is a stream cutting through the land, depicted with V-shaped contour lines pointing upstream.

**C.** Contours never cross or divide. They may appear to merge to express a vertical cliff, but in reality, they are stacked one on top of another and only appear to touch. The spacing of contour lines reflects the gradient, or slope. Closely spaced contours represent steep slopes. Contours spaced far apart represent gentle slopes.

*Diagram Explanation*: The diagram shows densely packed contour lines indicative of steep terrain and more spaced lines for gentler slopes.

**D.** Hills and knobs are shown as closed contours.

*Diagram Explanation*: An illustration of closed loop contours illustrates the peaks of hills or knobs.

**E.** Closed depressions (basins without outlets) are shown by closed contours with hachures (short lines) pointing downslope.

*Diagram Explanation*: A contour illustration with hachured lines pointing towards the center indicating a depression or basin.

**FIGURE 7.10**

Characteristics of Contour Lines
Transcribed Image Text:**Characteristics of Contours** Learning to read contour maps effectively is not an easy task. Nature has few lines reminiscent of contour lines, and the visualization of a three-dimensional surface represented only by contours requires careful study and practice. After some training, however, you should be able to visualize the landscape represented by a contour map. You will obtain more quantitative information from a contour map than from any other type of map or image. The following basic rules will help you get started: **A.** The difference in elevation between adjacent contours is constant on any given map and is referred to as the contour interval, or CI. The most frequently used contour interval on 7½-min and 15-min quadrangles is 20 ft. *Diagram Explanation*: The diagram illustrates contour lines surrounding a peak labeled "1500." The lines are evenly spaced and show elevation. **B.** Contour lines trend up a valley, cross the stream, and extend down the valley on the opposite side. The lines form a V pattern, with the apex of the V pointing upstream. *Diagram Explanation*: There is a stream cutting through the land, depicted with V-shaped contour lines pointing upstream. **C.** Contours never cross or divide. They may appear to merge to express a vertical cliff, but in reality, they are stacked one on top of another and only appear to touch. The spacing of contour lines reflects the gradient, or slope. Closely spaced contours represent steep slopes. Contours spaced far apart represent gentle slopes. *Diagram Explanation*: The diagram shows densely packed contour lines indicative of steep terrain and more spaced lines for gentler slopes. **D.** Hills and knobs are shown as closed contours. *Diagram Explanation*: An illustration of closed loop contours illustrates the peaks of hills or knobs. **E.** Closed depressions (basins without outlets) are shown by closed contours with hachures (short lines) pointing downslope. *Diagram Explanation*: A contour illustration with hachured lines pointing towards the center indicating a depression or basin. **FIGURE 7.10** Characteristics of Contour Lines
**Educational Description of TopoContour Lines**

**Key Concepts:**

8. **Closed Lines with Hachures:**
   - Short lines pointing toward the centers of the closures (i.e., pointing downslope) represent closed depressions.
   - Example: This is typically used for closed depressions such as lakes or dry lakes.

   ![Closed depression example](hatchures_image)

9. **Contour Line Crossing the River Valley:**
   - When a contour line crosses a river valley, it curves (V-shape) upstream along the bank to connect the same elevations. This is because the central part of the valley is lower than the banks.
   - Illustration shows the V-shaped curves pointing upstream.

   ![Contour lines crossing a river valley](v_shaped_curve_image)

**Homework Questions:**

1. **Calculation of Contour Interval (CI):**  
   - Based on the copy from the Hamblin & Howard's Lab book (p. 87-90), calculate the Contour Interval (CI) for Fig 10 B, C, D.
   - Example Calculation: For Fig 10, A:  
     \[
     \text{CI} = \frac{(1600\text{ft} - 1500\text{ft})}{5\text{ intervals}} = 100\text{ft}/5 = 20\text{ft}
     \]

   - **Map B:** CI = ...........................................
   - **Map C:** CI = ...........................................
   - **Map D:** CI = ...........................................

2. **In Map E:**
   - Given CI = 20ft.
   - Answer the following:
     - a) How many closed depressions can you count on that map?
     - b) How many hills can you count on that map?

**Note:**
Understanding how to read and interpret contour lines is essential for analyzing geographical features accurately.
Transcribed Image Text:**Educational Description of TopoContour Lines** **Key Concepts:** 8. **Closed Lines with Hachures:** - Short lines pointing toward the centers of the closures (i.e., pointing downslope) represent closed depressions. - Example: This is typically used for closed depressions such as lakes or dry lakes. ![Closed depression example](hatchures_image) 9. **Contour Line Crossing the River Valley:** - When a contour line crosses a river valley, it curves (V-shape) upstream along the bank to connect the same elevations. This is because the central part of the valley is lower than the banks. - Illustration shows the V-shaped curves pointing upstream. ![Contour lines crossing a river valley](v_shaped_curve_image) **Homework Questions:** 1. **Calculation of Contour Interval (CI):** - Based on the copy from the Hamblin & Howard's Lab book (p. 87-90), calculate the Contour Interval (CI) for Fig 10 B, C, D. - Example Calculation: For Fig 10, A: \[ \text{CI} = \frac{(1600\text{ft} - 1500\text{ft})}{5\text{ intervals}} = 100\text{ft}/5 = 20\text{ft} \] - **Map B:** CI = ........................................... - **Map C:** CI = ........................................... - **Map D:** CI = ........................................... 2. **In Map E:** - Given CI = 20ft. - Answer the following: - a) How many closed depressions can you count on that map? - b) How many hills can you count on that map? **Note:** Understanding how to read and interpret contour lines is essential for analyzing geographical features accurately.
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