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Difficulty: HardContour Lines and Relief Representation

In topographical map interpretation, distinct contour patterns uniquely represent specific physical landforms and slope profiles. Match each contour line configuration on the left with the corresponding relief feature it describes on the right.

  • Concentric closed contours with elevation values decreasing progressively towards the innermost contour lineCrater or Depression
  • Contours that are widely spaced near the summit and become progressively more densely packed towards lower elevationsConvex Slope
  • Two distinct high-elevation contour loops enclosed within an outer ring contour, separated by a low-lying passSaddle or Col
  • Closely packed parallel contours that abruptly coincide and merge into a single continuous lineVertical Cliff

Answer

The correct pairings are: Concentric closed contours decreasing inward match Crater or Depression; Widely spaced top contours becoming densely packed bottom contours match Convex Slope; Twin elevated contour loops separated by a pass match Saddle or Col; Closely packed contours merging into a single line match Vertical Cliff.
Each contour pattern corresponds directly to a unique 3D landform: decreasing inner values represent a crater/depression; wide spacing at upper elevations becoming dense at lower elevations represents a convex slope; twin enclosed summits represent a saddle/col; and coinciding merged lines represent a vertical cliff face.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze contour value progression for closed loops.
Decreasing values toward the center signify a depression or crater.
Standard hills show increasing values inward; decreasing values indicate a descent into a enclosed hollow.
2
Examine contour spacing density across elevation levels.
Wide spacing at higher elevation transitioning to dense spacing at lower elevation indicates a convex slope.
Contour spacing is inversely proportional to gradient steepness; gentle upper slopes are widely spaced while steep lower slopes are closely spaced.
3
Identify multi-peak structural contour patterns.
Twin contour summits surrounded by an outer ring contour represent a saddle or col.
A saddle is the low point between two higher relief features.
4
Interpret overlapping or coalescing contour lines.
Merged contour lines represent a vertical cliff.
A vertical surface has zero horizontal equivalent distance between different elevation contours.

Key Concept

Relief Representation and Contour Line Pattern Interpretation
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Contour Lines and Relief Representation

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