What do closely spaced contour lines on a standard USGS 1:24,000 topographic map indicate about the terrain?

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Multiple Choice

What do closely spaced contour lines on a standard USGS 1:24,000 topographic map indicate about the terrain?

Contours show points of equal elevation, and the spacing between them reveals how steep the terrain is. When the contour lines are very close together, the ground rises quickly over a short distance, indicating a steep slope such as a cliff or rugged hillside. If the lines are spaced farther apart, the slope is gentler. On a standard USGS 1:24,000 map, contour spacing reflects elevation changes, not water depth, soil type, or vegetation—those features are shown by other map elements. Because the contour interval is fixed, the meaning of a given spacing is the same across the map, so closely spaced lines consistently signal steep terrain.

Contours show points of equal elevation, and the spacing between them reveals how steep the terrain is. When the contour lines are very close together, the ground rises quickly over a short distance, indicating a steep slope such as a cliff or rugged hillside. If the lines are spaced farther apart, the slope is gentler. On a standard USGS 1:24,000 map, contour spacing reflects elevation changes, not water depth, soil type, or vegetation—those features are shown by other map elements. Because the contour interval is fixed, the meaning of a given spacing is the same across the map, so closely spaced lines consistently signal steep terrain.

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