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Difficulty: MediumContour Lines and Relief Representation

On a topographical map, a series of V-shaped contour lines point towards lower elevation values as they extend across the landscape. Which of the following relief features is represented by this contour pattern?

  1. SpurAnswer
  2. B
    River valley
  3. C
    Col
  4. D
    Escarpment

Answer

Spur
V-shaped contour lines whose apexes point towards lower elevation represent a spur, which is a tongue of elevated land projecting downwards from a main hill or ridge. Conversely, when V-shapes point upstream towards higher elevation, they indicate a river valley.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contour line geometry described in the prompt
The contour lines form V-shapes pointing towards decreasing (lower) elevation.
Understanding the orientation of V-shaped contours relative to elevation is key to identifying linear relief features.
2
Distinguish between a spur and a valley using contour apex orientation
Apexes pointing upstream (higher elevation) represent valleys, whereas apexes pointing downstream/down-slope (lower elevation) represent spurs.
A spur is a salient tongue of high ground sloping downwards between two valleys.

Key Concept

Contour pattern recognition for spurs and valleys
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Topics

Contour Lines and Relief Representation

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