Name:
Mapping the Earth
Date:
Period:
The Physical Setting: Earth Science
Lab Activity: lbpographic Maps
INTRODUCTION:
Topographic maps are models that represent a portion of the Earth's surface. The relief, or topography, such as hills and valleys can be shown by using isolines called contour lines. A contour line-is a
line drawn through points of equalelevation, or distance above sea level. Contour lines show both the
shape and relief of the feature or area being mapped.
The difference in elevation between adjacent, or successive contour lines is the contour interval. Usually, contour intervals are expressed in meters and feet.
OBJECTIVE:
You will see how contour maps are drawn and how they represent topography.
VOCABUI-ARY
Topography -
Elevation -
Contour Line -
Contour lnterval -
Topographic Profile -
Depression Contour Lines -
Lab Activity: Topographic Maps
PROCEDURE:
1.
Fillthe shoebox with water, stopping when the water level reaches the 0 centimeter marking. This
is sea levelwhich is equalto 0 meters in elevation.
2.
3.
Have your teacher place in food coloring or dye to make the shoreline more visible.
4.
Take the clear plastic lid off and
Place the clear plastic lid on top of the shoebox. Using a marker trace the shoreline. Be sure to
keep your eye directly over the shoreline as you trace it onto you clear plastic lid.
fillto the next centimeter marking line.
5. Replace the lid and trace the shoreline.
6. Repeat the procedure for every centimeter marking untilyou get to the top centimeter marking line.
7.
After you have completed the drawing all the lines, every member of your group should trace your
contour lines from the clear plastic lid onto a white sheet of paper.
8. Label each contour starting with the first marker line. This is 0 meter elevation.
9.
The contour line at the top of the volcano should be different from the other lines. Make sure you
label it correctly with hachured lines.
10. Orient your paper with the mountain on the lefthand side and draw a straight line lengthwise
through the center of the volcano. Label the left side "A" and the right side "8".
11. Using the horizontal grid provided by your teacher, create a profile along line A-8.
12. Attached the profile to your lab after you are finished.
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Lab Activity: TopograPhic MaPs
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
.
your
Using the contour map you created, calculate the gradient between Point A and the rim of
proper
units'
the
to
include
sure
be
and
distance
for
volcano. Use the scaie 1 crTt = 1 km
2.
your
Using the contour map you created, calculate the gradient between Point B and the rim of
proper
units.
the
include
volcano. Use the scaie 1 cffi = 1 km for distance and be sure to
3.
What do contour lines represent on a topographic map?
4.
Why is it unlikely that two contour lines will ever cross?
5.
gradient?
Referring to your contour map, how does a topographic map show areas of steep
6.
how does it
How must contour lines bend on a topographic map to indicate a stream valley and
determine the direction of stream flow?
T.
years from today be the same as
Would a topographic map of a mountain constructed 1,000,0000
one constructed today? Explain your answer'
1
you need to collect?
69NSLUSION: To accurately create a topographic map, what types of data do
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