How to read a Topographic map

Topographic Map

• Is the distance between each contour line.

  (what you count by)

• not every line is marked.
  

Contour Interval

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval on this map?

• 10

• 50

• 100

• 500

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval (CI)?

• 100m

• 10m

• 25m

• 20m

Multiple Choice

What is the contour interval of this map?

• 10

• 20

• 30

• 40

• Show change in elevation on a topographic map

• do not intersect (crossover)

Contour lines

• What is the elevation at point A?

• What is the elevation at point B?
  

Practice

Multiple Choice

A topographic map of a region is provided. Which position indicated by the letters is at an elevation of 475 meters?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Multiple Choice

What is the difference in elevation between Point X and Point Y?

• 120 m

• 240 m

• 360 m

• 340 m

• V or U shaped pattern

• always points from where it started

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​River Valleys and streams

Multiple Choice

Which direction is the stream flowing?

• northward

• southward

• westward

• eastward

Multiple Choice

The topographic map pictured here shows a river flowing in which direction?

• From north to south

• From south to north

• From east to west

• From west to east

STEEP Slopes

With STEEP slopes, hard to climb, lines would be close together. The STEEP slope of this landform is on the East side.

Multiple Choice

Which side of the landform has a gentle slope?

• East

• South

• West

Multiple Choice

Which point, A or B, has a gentle slope?

• A, because lines are spread apart.

• B, because lines are close together.

• B, because it's higher elevation.

• A, because the land has a lower elevation compared to pt. B.

Weather and erosion practice

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the effect of snow on the mountains over many years?

• The mountains will increase in height due to deposition of sediment from snow on the mountain tops

• Weathering will occur because snow melting and refreezing will break apart rocks

• Erosion will occur because snow melting and refreezing will break apart rocks

• The mountains will remain unchanged due to the snow

Multiple Choice

A student is drawing a topographic map. How would they draw contour lines to demonstrate steepness?

• Closer lines are more flat slopes

• Closer lines are steeper slopes

• Further lines are steeper slopes

• Thicker lines are steeper slopes

Multiple Choice

The following image is of a crater in Arizona. What is likely to happen to the crater over time?

• It will get bigger from weathering and erosion.

• It will get smaller from weathering and erosion.

• There will be no change.

• Water from rain will fill in the hole.

Multiple Choice

The image above shows sand dunes in a desert. What process is responsible for changing sand dunes in a desert?

• Glaciers

• Rain

• River

• Wind

Multiple Choice

The image above shows the coastline of Sydney, Australia. What element is going to carry land away from the coast?

• Wind

• Water

• Ice

• Sand