How to Read a Topographic Map and Delineate a Watershed Quiz

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• View this quiz as a slide show from “the beginning”• During the slide show, you can right click on any slide and

choose pointer options then pen or highlighter to write on any slide. But you will need to right click & choose pointer options then arrow before you can click on any of the navigation links again.

What does each contour line on a topographic map represents?

Sorry, no hint.

a ground elevation or vertical distance above a reference point such as sea level.

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The difference in elevation between two adjacent contours is called the _____________________________.

Sorry, no hint.

contour interval

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The horizontal distance between contours is determined by the ___________________________of the landscape.

Sorry, no hint.

steepness

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This topographic map represents an ______________. Mark the direction of waterflow.

Sorry, no hint.

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Isolated hill

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A general rule of thumb is that water flow is ____________________ to contour lines.

Another word for right angle.

perpendicular

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This topographic map represents a ______________________. Add arrows to show direction of water flow.

What would you use on a horse?.

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saddle

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A general rule of thumb is that topographic lines always point _______________

Up or down-stream

upstream

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Draw the watershed boundaries & river flowing from points A to point B on this contour map.

• Water flow is perpendicular to contour lines.

• Topographic lines always point upstream.

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What are the four steps to delineating a watershed?

No hint

1. Draw a circle at the outlet or downstream point of the wetland in question

2. Put small "X's" at the high points along both sides of the watercourse, working your way upstream towards the headwaters of the watershed.

3. Starting at the circle that was made in step one, draw a line connecting the "X's" along one side of the watercourse. This line should always cross the contours at right .

4. Continue the line until it passes around the head of the watershed and down the opposite side of the watercourse. Eventually it will connect with the circle from which you started.

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Delineate a Watershed on this topo map for the wetland marked with the o.

Delineating a Watershed1. Draw a circle at the outlet or downstream point of the wetland in question (the wetland is the hatched area) – This step was done for you.2. Put small "X's" at the high points along both sides of the watercourse, working your way upstream towards the headwaters of the watershed. 3. Starting at the circle that was made in step one, draw a line connecting the "X's" along one side of the watercourse. This line should always cross the contours at right .4. Continue the line until it passes around the head of the watershed and down the opposite side of the watercourse. Eventually it will connect with the circle from which you started.

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What are two widely available methods for measuring the area of a watershed?

No hint

1. Dot Grid Method2. Planimeter.

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