Which terrain feature is depicted on a topographic map as a cliff?

Which terrain feature is depicted on a topographic map as a cliff?

• A. Cliff
• B. Valley
• C. River
• D. Mountain

Answer: (A)

Topographic maps use contour patterns and symbols to show how steep terrain is. A cliff appears where there is a sudden vertical drop, and this is depicted by contour lines that are extremely close together along with a cliff symbol or hatch marks along the edge to indicate the abrupt face. This contrasts with valleys, which show low ground and extend the contour lines toward a low point; rivers, shown in blue as water channels; and mountains, which are indicated by concentric, tightly packed contour lines surrounding a high point. So the feature that the map depicts as a cliff is the cliff itself.

Topographic maps use contour patterns and symbols to show how steep terrain is. A cliff appears where there is a sudden vertical drop, and this is depicted by contour lines that are extremely close together along with a cliff symbol or hatch marks along the edge to indicate the abrupt face. This contrasts with valleys, which show low ground and extend the contour lines toward a low point; rivers, shown in blue as water channels; and mountains, which are indicated by concentric, tightly packed contour lines surrounding a high point. So the feature that the map depicts as a cliff is the cliff itself.