Landforms and Topographic Maps Quiz

What is a mountain?

• A large body of water surrounded by land

• A flat area of land that is very high above sea level, with steep sides

• A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another stream

• A large, flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land

What is a valley?

• A high, steep face of rock

• A flat area of land

• A low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it

• A large area of water surrounded by land

What is a plateau?

• A large, flat area of land that is higher than the surrounding land

• A small hill

• A deep, narrow valley with steep sides

• A large, flat area of water

What is a topographic map?

• A map that shows the names of countries and capitals

• A map that shows the locations of mountains and rivers

• A map that shows the shapes and elevations of landforms

• A map that shows the directions and distances between places

Which feature on a topographic map shows elevation?

• Symbols

• Contour lines

• Color coding

• Scale

What does it mean when contour lines on a topographic map are close together?

• The land is flat

• There is a body of water

• The elevation is changing rapidly; steep terrain

• The elevation is changing slowly; gentle slope

What landform is typically characterized by steep sides and a flat top?

• Mountain

• Valley

• Plateau

• Hill

How can rivers be identified on a topographic map?

• By the blue color

• By the contour lines forming a V shape pointing upstream

• By the contour lines being widely spaced

• By the symbols for bridges

Draw an ariel view of a volcano.

Why are topographic maps important?