Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between contour lines and slope steepness?
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between contour lines and slope steepness?
- Closely spaced contour lines indicate shallow slopes.
- Contour line spacing is not related to slope steepness.
- Widely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes.
- Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes. (correct)
What is the correct interpretation of contour lines forming a closed loop on a topographic map?
What is the correct interpretation of contour lines forming a closed loop on a topographic map?
- The area represents a hill or a depression. (correct)
- The area represents a flat plain.
- The area is a river or stream.
- The area is a steep cliff.
In the context of contour lines, what does it mean when the bottom of a U-shape points to a contour of lower elevation?
In the context of contour lines, what does it mean when the bottom of a U-shape points to a contour of lower elevation?
- It indicates a water body.
- It indicates a ridge. (correct)
- It indicates a flat area.
- It indicates a valley.
Why is it essential that a designer has a comprehensive understanding of a site's systems, both natural and man-made?
Why is it essential that a designer has a comprehensive understanding of a site's systems, both natural and man-made?
What is the primary reason for analyzing a site before beginning a design or construction project?
What is the primary reason for analyzing a site before beginning a design or construction project?
Which of the following soil characteristics is MOST vital in determining the structural design of foundations and paved surfaces?
Which of the following soil characteristics is MOST vital in determining the structural design of foundations and paved surfaces?
How do evenly spaced contours relate to the shape of a slope?
How do evenly spaced contours relate to the shape of a slope?
What happens to a site when it is disturbed, according to the principles of site analysis?
What happens to a site when it is disturbed, according to the principles of site analysis?
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of a watershed?
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of a watershed?
Why are deviations from the six properties of contours considered errors?
Why are deviations from the six properties of contours considered errors?
Flashcards
Contours Always Occur in Pairs
Contours Always Occur in Pairs
Contours always occur in pairs to indicate a ridge; crossing one means you'll cross another in the opposite direction.
Contours Never Cross
Contours Never Cross
Contour lines never cross each other, unless an overhanging ledge is present.
Contours Have Equal Vertical Separation
Contours Have Equal Vertical Separation
Contour lines indicate equal changes in vertical measurement.
All Contour Lines Close on Themselves
All Contour Lines Close on Themselves
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Steepest Slope Direction
Steepest Slope Direction
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Ridge and Valley Contours
Ridge and Valley Contours
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Contour Spacing and Slope
Contour Spacing and Slope
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Watershed Definition
Watershed Definition
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Site Analysis Goal
Site Analysis Goal
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Importance of Soil Analysis
Importance of Soil Analysis
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Study Notes
- Contours are a systematic study of information.
Six Properties of Contours
- Deviation from the following six contour properties is not possible, indicating an error if contravened.
- Contours indicating a ridge always close, requiring another 50 ft contour when transitioning downhill after crossing one uphill.
- Contours never cross each other, except when an overhanging ledge is indicated.
- Contour lines indicate equal change in vertical measure.
- All contour lines close on themselves, even if not apparent on an individual map.
- Contours do not merge or split and must always be continuous and close on themselves.
- The steepest slope is a line perpendicular to the contour, which water will follow downhill.
Ridge and Valley Contour Signatures
- Contour signatures for ridges and valleys are similar but distinguishable.
- The bottom of the U-shape points to a lower elevation contour for ridges.
- Ridge contours are rounded and less arrow-shaped than valley contours.
- In a valley, the U-shape of the contour is more pronounced, pointing to the next highest contour.
- Elevations decrease along a line perpendicular to the ridge line and increase perpendicular to a valley.
- The watershed encompasses all land within a closed ridge line.
Signatures and Steepness
- Contour line spacing indicates slope: closely spaced contours mean steep slopes, widely spaced contours mean shallow slopes.
- Spacing over distance indicates slope shape
- Contours closely spaced at the top and widely spaced at the bottom are concave.
- Contours spaced closely at the bottom and spread upwards are convex.
- Evenly spaced contours indicate a uniform slope.
Contour Signatures on Hills and Depressions
- Contours that completely close within the map's limits signify hills or depressions and depressions are often marked by hachures.
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