Contour Lines Unite at Vertical Cliff

Contour lines are imaginary lines on a map that connect points of equal elevation. They help to visualize the shape and features of the terrain. Contour lines can have different intervals, depending on the scale of the map. For instance, on a large-scale map, the contour interval might be 10 feet, while on a small-scale map, it might be 100 feet.

One important rule of contour lines is that they can only unite in one condition, which is a vertical cliff. In other words, if two contour lines merge or cross each other, it indicates the presence of a vertical cliff or steep slope. This happens because the elevation changes rapidly in a short distance, so the contour lines have to be closer together to indicate the change.

For example, if you look at a topographic map of a mountain range, you might see contour lines that are close together in some areas and far apart in others. The areas with closely spaced contour lines indicate steep slopes or cliffs, while the areas with widely spaced contour lines indicate gradual slopes or flat terrain.

In conclusion, contour lines can only unite at a vertical cliff because this is the only condition that requires a rapid change in elevation over a short distance. By understanding this rule, you can interpret topographic maps more accurately and plan your route accordingly.