A contour line (also known as isopleth) on a topographic map connects points of equal elevation or depth. The steepest way up or down is in the direction perpendicular to the contour line at any given point. This gradient on a topographic map is at its greatest when the lines are close together, thus the slope is steepest.
Note that a contour map does not have to be topographic. Any value mapped in two or three dimensions such as temperature, barometric pressure, or wind speed can have contour lines connecting adjacent points of equal value. Again, moving away from a contour line in a perpendicular direction will yield the greatest change in the value of the quality being recorded.
Contours for a gentle slope are spaced equally and far apart, the closer the contour lines the steeper the slope.
Horizontal
It is easier to read small, closely spaced print when the lines are not very long. This is also why newspapers are written in columns.
Presumably the questions refer to contour lines. If that is the case, the answer is as follows: Contour lines are lines drawn at selected heights on a map. They are lines that join points at the same height above the meas sea level. A gentle slope is one that does not rise (or fall) as rapidly as a steep slope. That is to say, you have to travel a greater horizontal distance to gain (lose) the same amount of vertical distance or height. So, with a gentle slope, you have to travel a greater distance to get from one contour to the next and so the lines are less close together.
The closer the contour lines the steeper the slope.
Closely spaced
Closely spaced contour lines mean that the slope is steep.
Closely spaced contour line on a topographic map shows that the land is steep.
closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes, wider ones indicate gentle slopes
closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes, wider ones indicate gentle slopes
Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gradual slope, while closely spaced lines indicate a steep slope.
Long closely spaced oval contour lines may indicate a steep slope or a cliff on a topographic map. The alignment of the ovals along the contour lines suggests a continuous change in elevation, with the ovals representing points of equal elevation. This pattern helps map readers visualize the terrain's features and identify potential hazards in the area.
Closely spaced oval contour lines may indicate a steep slope or a concave feature on the landscape. These lines suggest rapid changes in elevation within a short distance, which can help you identify areas with significant changes in terrain.
Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope because they represent an area where the elevation changes rapidly over a short horizontal distance. The closer the contour lines are to each other, the steeper the slope. In contrast, widely spaced contour lines indicate a gradual slope where the elevation changes more gradually over a longer horizontal distance.
Contour lines that are closely spaced
No, contour lines that are spaced close together on a map indicate a steep slope, while contour lines spaced widely apart indicate a gentle slope.
On a topographic map, contour lines that are closer together indicate a steeper slope.