Geography Chapter 3 - Types of Maps

Questions and Answers

What are some of the characteristics shown on maps by Earth scientists?

Types of rocks, difference in air pressure, varying depths of groundwater.

What do topographic maps show?

Surface features of the earth.

What is mean sea level?

The point midway between the highest and lowest levels of the ocean.

What would be the advantage of a topographic map of an island over a typical map projection?

It would show the size, shape, and elevation of the island. Signup and view all the answers

What do contour lines show?

Elevation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contour interval?

Difference in elevation between one contour line and the next. Signup and view all the answers

What is relief when referring to maps?

Difference in elevation between the highest and lowest point of the area being mapped. Signup and view all the answers

What is an index contour?

Makes reading the map easier. Signup and view all the answers

How are exact elevations marked?

An X are labeled. Signup and view all the answers

What do contour lines spaced widely apart indicate?

Land is relatively level. Signup and view all the answers

What do contour lines spaced closely together indicate?

The slope is steep. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the contour line that indicates a valley.

A contour line that bends to form a V. Signup and view all the answers

How are hilltops indicated on a topographic map?

Contour lines that form closed loops. Signup and view all the answers

What are depression contours?

Closed loops that have short straight lines perpendicular to the inside of the loop. Signup and view all the answers

What are geologic maps designed to show?

The distribution of geologic features. Signup and view all the answers

What is a geologic unit?

Colors and letters. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the set of letters that geologists assign to each rock unit.

Age of the rock and name of the unit or the type of rock. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the three main parts of a soil survey.

Text, maps, tables. Signup and view all the answers

What are strike and dip symbols?

Strike indicates the direction in which the beds run; dip indicates the angle at which the beds tilt. Signup and view all the answers

Where will the V in the contour line point if a stream or river flows through the valley?

The V will point upstream. Signup and view all the answers

How is the width of a valley represented on a contour map?

They are farther apart. Signup and view all the answers

What types of things may be plotted on a weather map?

Air pressure, fronts, precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

What can be recorded about groundwater by using maps?

Mineral content and saline content, location and direction of flow, purity and taste, amount and best way to drill wells. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the two main types of contacts.

Supplementary (dashed line, all at one elevation) and index (darker and heavier, every 5th line that indicates a change in elevation). Signup and view all the answers

What is the contour interval like on a map where the relief is high?

Gives you a bigger contour interval. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how elevation is shown on a topographic map.

Contour lines. Signup and view all the answers

Define contour interval.

The difference between one contour line and the next; selected based on the relief of the area being mapped. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize how you can use information on a topographic map to compare the steepness of slopes.

Steeper slope means closer spaced contour lines. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how geologic units of similar ages are shown on a geologic map.

Colors in the same color family. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the three main parts of a soil survey.

Text, maps, tables. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two primary uses for soil maps.

Agriculture and land management. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three types of maps other than topographic maps, geologic maps, and soil maps.

Weather maps, satellite maps, water flow maps. Signup and view all the answers

How can you use lines on a topographic map to identify the direction of river flow?

The V points in the direction the water is flowing. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Maps Overview

Earth scientists utilize maps to represent various characteristics of the Earth including types of rocks, air pressure differences, and groundwater depths.
Topographic maps display surface features and elevation, crucial for understanding land forms.

Elevation and Topographic Map Features

Mean sea level is the baseline for measuring elevation, defined as the midpoint between maximum and minimum ocean levels.
Topographic maps offer advantages, such as showing the size, shape, and elevation of geographic features like islands.
Contour lines represent elevation changes, with the spacing between them indicating the steepness of slopes.

Understanding Contour Lines

A contour interval refers to the elevation difference between adjacent contour lines; it varies with the area’s relief.
Relief is defined as the elevation difference between the highest and lowest points in a mapped area.
Index contours enhance map readability, typically marked with a heavier line, indicating every fifth line of elevation change.
Closely spaced contour lines signify steep slopes, while widely spaced lines suggest level terrain.

Identifying Landforms and Features

Valleys are depicted with contour lines that bend into a V shape, while hilltops are shown as closed loops.
Depression contours, marked by short lines perpendicular to the loop, indicate sunken features in the terrain.

Geologic and Soil Mapping

Geologic maps outline the distribution of geological features, using colors and letters to represent different rock units.
The letters used denote the unit's age and type of rock, aiding in geological analysis.
Soil surveys consist of text, maps, and tables, providing comprehensive information about soil characteristics.

Additional Mapping Concepts

Strike and dip symbols illustrate the direction and angle at which geological beds tilt.
When a stream flows through a contour valley, the V in the contour lines points upstream.
The width of a valley is indicated by contour line spacing: lines spaced farther apart suggest a wider valley.

Weather and Groundwater Mapping

Weather maps plot critical elements like air pressure, fronts, and precipitation, serving as essential tools in meteorology.
Groundwater maps provide valuable data regarding mineral content, flow direction, well drilling, and water purity.

Other Types and Uses of Maps

Beyond topographic, geologic, and soil maps, other important map types include weather maps, satellite maps, and water flow maps.
Soil maps are primarily used in agriculture and land management, guiding efficient land use and crop production.

Analyzing Steepness and Flow Directions

The steepness of slopes on topographic maps can be assessed by the proximity of contour lines; closer lines indicate steeper slopes.
The direction of river flow is deduced by the orientation of V-shaped contours; the pointed end always points upstream.

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Explore the fundamental concepts of different types of maps with these flashcards from Geography Chapter 3. This quiz will help you understand characteristics represented on maps, including topographic features and geology factors. Test your knowledge and enhance your learning experience.