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Contour lines don't really "cross" if we consider them strictly. But they can "merge" at a point where there is an abrupt change in elevation, as a cliff. Let's look at things a bit more closely.
If we map a hill with one side cut straight down by something like a quarry or the action of a river, we'd see contour lines on a map coming together to "merge" along the face of the cliff. There are "multiple elevations" represented by the face of the cliff, and two or more lines might become one line along what is the cliff face on our map.
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Contour interval is what?
the elevation difference between two adjacent contour lines.
Why can contour lines never intersect?
Perhaps we should start by suggesting that there really are no "lines" in an electric field (or in a magnetic field, for that matter). The "lines of force" are a convention that allows us to visualize the field. But if there were lines, they would not cross because each one is a line of force in the field, and force is affected by other force in a way that prevents the lines from crossing. The force of one line will "push off" the force of another line, and the two will "avoid" each other.Though the lines may not be real, the force of the field is real. This "arms" each line of force with "energy" to "situate" itself relative to other lines of force. The lines of force all "conspire" or "work together" to give a "net effect" to the field; the field is formed as a direct result of the "sum" of the "individual act" of each line. But they do not "cross" each other to do this. Which is pretty amazing since individual lines don't exist.We've arrived back where we started, or so it might seem. But the lines of force, though they may not exist, are part of a real field of force about the electrified object. They interact as forces (because they are each an individual expression of the field) and will not be able to interfere with one another. As a parting shot, consider that the lines of force might follow the basic tendency of things in nature to assume their lowest energy level, and will see "crossing" as requiring extra energy. They (the lines of force) simply want to "snuggle up" along side each other to create the field.
What is a contour interval?
EDITED 1/8/16: A contour interval is a the elevation difference between two adjacent contour lines. Previous person put some ridiculous answer. This one is the correct answer on APEX and does not need improvement.
What is the elevation change between two adjacent lines on the map?
Those lines representing elevation on a map are called contour lines. The difference in elevation between two of these lines is called the contour interval. Different maps use different contour intervals based on the scale of the map, or in other words, the size of the contour interval is based on how zoomed in and detailed the map is. Sometimes a map will have darker and thicker contour intervals. This is called the Index Contour Interval. Index contour intervals appear less frequently and represent a larger elevation change. It helps you figure out the amount of a large elevation difference faster because usually they are multiples of 100 or 1000, making them easier to add up.
What do the lines on a topographical map mean?
The lines that connect points having the same elevation are a kind of isopleth called contour lines, or contours.The closer that the lines are on the map the steeper the terrain is.
