WHAT IS CONTOUR AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTOUR LINE?

WHAT IS CONTOUR AND CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTOUR LINE?

CONTOUR :-   A CONTOUR IS AN IMAGINARY LINE ON THE GROUND JOINING THE POINTS OF EQUAL ELEVATION.

IT is the line in which the surface of ground is intersected by a level surface. A contour line is a line on the map representing a contour. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTOUR:-

1 . Two contour lines of difference elevations cannot cross each other . 

      If they did the Point of intersection would have two different elevations which is absurd .

2.  Contour lines of different elevations can intersect only in case of an overhanging  cliff or a cave. 

Overhanging cliff

3 . Contour lines close together indicate steep slope . 

      They indicate a gentle slope if they are far apart . 

       If they are equally spaced , uniform slope is indicated .

       A series of equally spaced contour lines indicate plane surface.

4 . A contour passing through any point is perpendicular to the line of steepest slope at that point . 

5 . One or more closed higher contour line inside , it represents a hill ( Summit). 

6. One or more closed lower contour line inside , it indicate a depression ( pond ) .

7. A contour line must close upon itself , though not necessarily within the limits of the map . 

8 . Contours deflect uphill at valley lines and downhill at ridge lines. 

     Contour lines U - shape cross a ridge and in V shape cross a valley at right angles . 

      The concavity in contour lines is towards higher ground in case of ridge and towards lower ground in case of valley .

9.   Contour lines cross a watershed or ridge line at right angles . 

     They form curves of U-shape round it with the concave side of the curve towards the higher ground . 

10 . The same contour appears on either sides of a ridge or valley . 

        For the highest horizontal plane that intersects the ridge must cut it on both sides.

11 . Contour lines meeting at a point indicate a vertical cliff .

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