Here's a breakdown of key points:
* Elevation: Contour lines show the height of the land above a specific reference point, usually sea level.
* Equal Elevation: All points along a single contour line have the same elevation.
* Spacing: The closer the contour lines are together, the steeper the slope. The farther apart they are, the gentler the slope.
* Representation: Contour lines are often represented by thin, brown lines on topographic maps.
Key Features:
* Index Contours: Thicker lines with their elevation labeled.
* Contour Intervals: The difference in elevation between adjacent contour lines.
* Depressions: Closed contour lines with hachure marks (short lines perpendicular to the contour line) to indicate a dip or depression in the land.
Understanding Contour Lines:
By understanding contour lines, you can visualize the terrain, identify hills, valleys, ridges, and other landforms, and even estimate the steepness of a slope.