Using all of the following vocabulary terms, please describe how topographic maps are
used and what information we can learn by reading one. Also, please describe the
landform that is shown.
 Contour Lines
 Elevation
 Landforms
Topographic maps are used to show the shape of landforms in an area such as
mountains, valleys, plateaus and hills. Topographic maps use contour lines to indicate
the slope of a landform. Contour lines look like squiggly lines on a map that connect
points of equal elevation, or height above sea level. The closer these lines are together
the steeper the slope of the landform that they are representing. The landform that is
represented on this map is two peaks of a mountain that are between 3,500 and 3,700ft
of elevation.
Using all of the following vocabulary terms, please describe how this river delta was
formed.
 Erosion
 Weathering
 Deposition
This river delta was formed through the processes of weathering, erosion and
deposition. Together these forces build up, break down and wear away all of the
surfaces on Earth. Weathering in a river bed, wears away at the shores causing the
river to bend and curve on its path. Next, erosion works to carry this sediment that
has been worn away down the river and deposit it in another location. Then when
enough sediment has been deposited in one location a delta forms in the river often
causing it to break into several smaller rivers or streams.
Mechanical Weathering
Using all of the following terms, please describe the process of mechanical weathering
and be able to give an example of each.
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Abrasion
Ice Wedging (freezing and thawing)
Animal Actions
Release of Pressure
Plant Growth
Ice Wedging (Freezing and Thawing) occurs when there is a small crack in the rock.
Water gets into the crack and the temperature drops below freezing. The water
expands and causes the crack to grow. Over time this can lead to the rock breaking
apart into smaller pieces. Examples: cracks in roads or driveways
Abrasion: This occurs when wind, water or ice picks up sediment and it grinds away at
the surface of a rock causing it to break apart. Example: rocks near a beach that are
worn down over time Release of Pressure: As erosion moves material away from the
surface of a rock pressure is released which causes the outside of the rock to crack and
flake off. Example: the side of a rock that is flaking off
Animal Actions: When animals burrow into the ground to make their home, they
loosen and break apart rock through their digging. Example: Bunnies, moles and
gophers make their homes in the soil.
Plant growth: Plant roots grow into a crack in the rock and force it apart as the plant’s
roots get larger. Over time, this can cause a rock to break apart. Example: tree roots
causing a sidewalk to crack.
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