Question

topographic map practice
use the map above to answer the following questions.

1. which hill is taller?
2. which hill is steeper?
3. draw a dotted line where a stream or river would most likely be located.
4. what is the contour interval?
5. what is the elevation of point a?
6. what is the elevation of point b?
7. what is the elevation change between point a and b?
8. what is the maximum possible elevation of the smith hill?
9. which hill would be an easier hike?
10. explain your answer.

create a key. color each elevation a different color.
300-320m
320-340m
340-360m
360-380m
380-400m
400-420m
420-440m

Explanation:

Step1: Find contour interval

The outermost contour is 300 m, and the labeled contour on Smith Hill is 400 m. Count the intervals between them: from 300 m to 400 m, there are 5 contour lines in between, so the interval is $\frac{400-300}{5}=20$ m.

Step2: Find elevation of Point A

Point A is on the first contour inside 300 m, so $300 + 20 = 320$ m.

Step3: Find elevation of Point B

Point B is on the first contour inside 400 m, so $400 + 20 = 420$ m.

Step4: Calculate elevation change

Subtract A's elevation from B's: $420 - 320 = 100$ m.

Step5: Find max elevation of Smith Hill

The highest labeled contour is 400 m, add one interval and subtract 1 m: $400 + 20 + 20 - 1 = 439$ m.

Step6: Locate stream

Streams form in low areas (saddles) between hills; draw a dotted line through the narrow depression between Reed Hill and Smith Hill.

Answer:

1. Which hill is taller? Smith Hill
2. Which hill is steeper? Smith Hill
3. (Draw a dotted line through the low, narrow saddle area between Reed Hill and Smith Hill)
4. What is the contour interval? 20 m
5. What is the elevation of point A? 320 m
6. What is the elevation of point B? 420 m
7. What is the elevation change between point A and B? 100 m
8. What is the maximum possible elevation of the Smith Hill? 439 m
9. Which hill would be an easier hike? Reed Hill
10. Explain your answer: Because it's less steep
11. (For the color key: Assign a unique color to each elevation range, e.g., 300-320m: light blue, 320-340m: blue, 340-360m: dark blue, 360-380m: light green, 380-400m: green, 400-420m: dark green, 420-440m: brown)