A contour (topographic) map indicates that a stream is flowing across a landscape. If the stream has a constant volume, where on the map would the stream most likely have the highest velocity?
a. As the stream moves across several closely spaced contour lines
b. as the stream moves through a large region that has no contour lines
c. As the stream moves across several widely spaced contour lines
d. as the stream moves parallel to 2 contour lines.
across contour lines is the steepest slope. A?
thanks!
3/4 cm
Nose
To determine where on a contour map a stream is most likely to have the highest velocity, we need to understand the relationship between contour lines and streamflow. Contour lines on a topographic map represent points of equal elevation. They are usually spaced at fixed intervals, indicating variations in elevation on the landscape.
In the context of a stream, the contour lines that represent the stream course will generally follow the flow of the water. Now let's analyze each option:
a. As the stream moves across several closely spaced contour lines:
This option suggests that the stream is crossing multiple contour lines that are closely packed together. Since contour lines indicate changes in elevation, crossing closely spaced contour lines often indicates a steep slope. In this case, the stream is likely to have a higher velocity because it will be moving down a steeper gradient. Therefore, option a could be the correct answer.
b. As the stream moves through a large region that has no contour lines:
A region without contour lines implies a relatively flat area with little change in elevation. In such cases, the stream is unlikely to have a high velocity since there won't be significant changes in slope. As a result, option b is less likely to be correct.
c. As the stream moves across several widely spaced contour lines:
This option suggests that the contour lines representing the stream are spaced far apart. Widely spaced contour lines indicate a gentler slope with less variation in elevation. Consequently, the stream is less likely to have a high velocity in this scenario. Therefore, option c is less likely to be correct.
d. As the stream moves parallel to 2 contour lines:
When a stream runs parallel to contour lines, it suggests that the stream is following a path along an elevation contour. In such cases, the stream is likely to have a relatively constant velocity since it's not moving up or down a slope. Therefore, option d is less likely to be correct.
Based on the analysis, the most likely answer would be option a. As the stream moves across several closely spaced contour lines, it indicates that the stream is flowing down a steeper slope, which would result in a higher velocity.