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Understanding Contour Lines in Relief Representation

The document explains the significance of contour lines in representing physical features of the land, providing a three-dimensional perspective on maps. It outlines key characteristics of contour lines, such as their fixed intervals, non-intersection, and the meaning of contour intervals and horizontal equivalents. Additionally, it describes contour diagrams for various landforms, including conical hills, plateaus, ridges, and valleys.

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4 views1 page

Understanding Contour Lines in Relief Representation

The document explains the significance of contour lines in representing physical features of the land, providing a three-dimensional perspective on maps. It outlines key characteristics of contour lines, such as their fixed intervals, non-intersection, and the meaning of contour intervals and horizontal equivalents. Additionally, it describes contour diagrams for various landforms, including conical hills, plateaus, ridges, and valleys.

Uploaded by

b38310452
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Representation of relief through contoursObjective:

To make the students understand the importance of contour lines inrepresenting relief or physical
features. The importance of contours lie in giving a three-dimensional view of the land which
otherwise appears rather flat in a map
What are the basic characteristics of contour lines?
 Contour lines are drawn at fixed intervals such as 20 m, 50 m, or 100 mdepending on the
nature of elevation.
 Contour lines do not intersect one another but could meet and touch each other.
 Every contour line is marked with a number that indicates the height above sealevel.
 The difference in values between two adjacent contour lines is known as contourinterval.
A contour interval is also called a Vertical Interval.
 The distance between any two contour lines is called the Horizontal Equivalent.
 If the contour lines are drawn close to one another, it indicates steep slope and ifdrawn
far apart it indicates a gentle slope.
Contour diagrams of some simple landforms
Conical hill : The contour lines are evenly spaced in almost concentric circles.
Plateau: On a contour map, plateaus are indicated by contour lines very close to eachother on all
sides, with none or very few lines at the centre.
Ridge: The contours of the ridge are elliptical with contours close to each otherindicating
steepness.
V- shaped valley : It is indicated on a contour map with the contour lines close to eachother and
a very dominant V.
U-shaped valley: These are identified on a contour map with the closed end more U-shaped and
the contour lines close to each other.

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