Purpose: The model the shape of earth’s surface features in two dimensions using hand drawn contour
lines. A Mount Capulin replica depicts a steep-sided volcano in New Mexico.
Materials
Mountain replica
Clear Plastic Box
Clear acetate sheet
Crayon
Water
Tape
Metric Ruler
Background: Contour lines, as visualized on the earth’s surface, are curves at constant elevation, which
are always perpendicular to the slope of the surface at any point. Since a contour line might actually
close only after wandering a large geographical region, contour lines on a model, a map or chart might
not seem to close. Each contour line has an expressed or implied elevation. The contour interval is the
constant difference between adjacent contour lines. Closely spaced contour lines on a map or chart
would indicate a steep slope. Drainage features such as gullies, streams, or rivers are distinguished on
the map or chart by a consistent dip in the contour lines as each crosses the thread of the stream at
right angles.
Procedure:
1. Use tape to secure the mountain replica to the bottom of the box.
2. Using an erasable marker, make marks on the side of the box beginning at the very bottom.
Label the “elevation” starting with 0cm at the bottom and make marks 1cm apart until you
reach the top.
3. Carefully fill your box with water until you reach your first mark. The water line is similar to
that of a contour line in that it is at a constant elevation.
4. Cover the box with it’s lid and place the clear sheet over the top. Use the erasable marker and
draw a contour line onto the sheet as viewed from above.
5. Now repeat steps 3 and 4 carefully filling to each line until the mountain is totally submerged.
At the end of this the top sheet should show contour lines accurately representing the shape of
the mountain!
Now use the map you have made to complete the next page!!!!!
Name: __________________________________________________ Period: ________________
Trace these contour lines onto a blank sheet of paper, and answer the following questions using
your map. Staple your drawn map to the question sheet and answer the following questions.
1. What are the three rules of making contour lines?
2. Describe the general shape of the contour lines on your map.
3. Based on the contour lines, what statements can you make about the steepness of the slope
on this volcano.
4. You have mapped a volcanic mountain. Describe how the lava flows have affected the pattern
of contour lines.
5. What type of magma do you think was expelled from this volcano? Use the terms viscocity
and gases to answer this. Think back to the beginning of this semester.
6. How would a steep valley going down the side of the volcano change the contour pattern? Be
descriptive here and think about it!!!!!!
7. How can you use contour lines to show a crater on top of this mountain? Use a drawing to
help you answer this question.
8. What other features do you need to add to your drawing to make it a map?