Contour patterns indicate which kinds of topographical features?

Contour patterns indicate which kinds of topographical features?

• A. Hills, Saddles, and Ridges
• B. Rivers and Lakes Only
• C. Political Boundaries
• D. Urban Areas

Answer: (A)

Contour patterns on maps express elevation by drawing lines that connect points at the same height. When you see closed contour loops with elevations increasing toward the center, you’re looking at a hill. If the land forms a long, narrow high crest, the contour lines stretch out and bend to trace that crest, indicating a ridge. Between hills, you’ll find a low, pass-like area where the contour lines dip in toward a saddle, creating a shape that shows a shallow valley between highs. The way the lines group also tells you how steep the slope is: lines that are close together mean a steep slope, while lines spaced farther apart indicate gentler slopes. These patterns—hills, saddles, and ridges—are the kinds of topographic features most clearly shown by contour patterns.