Topo Map Skills Practice

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

Use contour lines to identify and describe the topography of a geographical feature.
Interpret features of a topographic map.
Predict changes to the human and natural environment if Mt Taranaki erupted.

Use Google earth to explore Mt Taranaki from as many angles as you can. Take note of where in the world it is as you will need to answer questions on this later.

Watch the videos on contour lines and how to read them. Watch the video on the left first. If you feel you understand, move on to the nxt activity. If you feel you need more information, watch the longer video as well.

Figure 2

Mt Taranaki was formed 135 000 years ago by subduction of the Pacific Plate below the Australian Plate. It is a stratovolcano — a conical volcano consisting of layers of pumice, lava, ash and tephra (see figure 2).

The summit of Mt Taranaki is a lava dome in the middle of a crater that is filled with ice and snow. The mountain is considered likely to erupt again. There are significant potential hazards from lahars, avalanches and floods. A circular plain of volcanic material surrounding the mountain was formed from lahars (see section 5.12, annotation I) and landslides. Some of these flows reached the coast in the past. The volcano’s lower flanks are covered in forest, and are part of the national park. There is a clear line between the park boundary and surrounding farmland (see figure 3).

Figure 3

GEOSKILLS TOOLBOX

Understanding contour lines

Contour lines are used on topographic maps to show height about sea level. Each line joins points at the same elevation. This helps to show the shape of the land and patterns of landforms. If contour lines are very close, the land is steep. If the contour lines are further apart, there is more of a gradual slope.

Topographic Map of Mt Taranaki

Study the topographic map and then EITHER open up the Google Form to answer the questions or write them in your books.

The natural environment is anything in an environment created or occurring naturally - plants, trees, rivers, creeks, mountains, animals etc

The human environment is anything made by humans - houses, bridges, farms, shops ....

Answers in collapsible box.

Mount Taranaki is a dormant stratovolcano in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island.
A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a conical volcano built up by many layers of hardened lava and tephra
AR 2611 GR268116
GR of any red hut (public shelter).
Precipitation significantly shapes mountains like Mount Taranaki by causing erosion and weathering. Rainfall and snowmelt carve out valleys and gullies, transport sediments, and contribute to landslides. Over time, these processes sculpt the mountain’s landscape, creating its distinct features and influencing its overall topography.
Distinct Green Ring: The dark green, circular forest area around the mountain indicates Egmont National Park, contrasting sharply with the surrounding farmland.

Uniform Vegetation: The consistent, dense forest cover within the park boundary suggests minimal human disturbance.

Clear Boundaries: The precise, geometric shape of the protected area is visible, highlighting its status as a designated conservation zone.

Model Paragraphs
The eruption of Mt Taranaki would cause change and destruction to the natural environment surrounding it. The immediate impact would include pyroclastic flows and lava, devastating the lush forests of Egmont National Park. Ashfall would blanket the area, damaging vegetation and disrupting ecosystems. Rivers and streams could become choked with volcanic debris, altering water flow and affecting aquatic life. Over time, the landscape would be reshaped by erosion and sediment deposition, creating new landforms and habitats.

Human environments around Mt Taranaki would also face significant challenges. Communities in the vicinity, such as New Plymouth, could experience ashfall, leading to health issues and infrastructure damage. Agriculture would suffer from contaminated soil and water supplies, impacting food production. Evacuations and disruptions to daily life would be inevitable, with long-term economic consequences. The tourism industry, reliant on the mountain’s natural beauty, would face setbacks, though recovery efforts could eventually lead to renewed interest in the region’s geological features.

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