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By the end of this lesson you should be able to:
By the end of this lesson you should be able to:
Understand the purpose of topographic maps and contour lines.
Identify different contour patterns.
Describe a contour interval.
Question
How do we represent 3D landforms - such as mountains - onto maps which are 2D? In other words - how is elevation represented on a map?
Answer - topographic maps - topo maps are a type of map used to show elevation as well as other features useful to people walking/hiking in and/or visiting an area.
The most obvious way in which topographic maps differ from other maps is that they contain many thin, curved lines that appear to wrap around certain areas.
These lines are called contour lines. They connect points of equal elevation. This means that if you were walk along the ground following the line represented by a contour line, you wouldn’t go up hill or downhill.
A topographic map will tell you whether an area is steep or level. Places where the lines are close together are very steep. Where the lines are far apart, the land is relatively flat. The actual elevation is usually written on every fifth line. In Australia, we measure elevation beginning with 0 feet at sea level.
When the contour lines are close together the land is steep.
When the contour lines are further apart, the land is flatter.
Look at the numbers on the contour lines on the map below; these show the height of that point of land above sea level.
Answers
A = 4
B = 1
C = 2
D = 3
Task
Task
Individual Work - Open the worksheet using the link provided and write the answers in your books.
ReadingB.pdfTask:
Use FIGURE 2, the map of Yarra Yarra Creek Basin, New South Wales, to identify the following landforms.
Ridge
Wide valley
Very steep slope
Spot height of 630 metres
Spur
Plateau
Saddle
Apply your skills to answer the following questions.
Which slope of Morgans Ridge would be the most difficult to climb?
What two natural features can be seen from Morgans Ridge to the east?
What are the heights of the peaks on Morgans Ridge?
Can you see the town of Holbrook from Wantagong? Explain your answer.
What land features form part of Morgans Ridge?
yarra creek contour lines.pdfChallenge Task!
To deepen your knowledge and understanding, complete the Education Perfect Task assigned by your teacher.
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