8th Grade Science Homework
Due on Friday, January 9, 2015
Name:
Teacher:
This week we will: 8.9 (C) Interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features
and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.
Reading about Topographic Maps
There is a special kind of map, called a topographic map. “Topo” means surface. A topographic map
shows the true shape of the land. It also shows elevations and changes in elevation. Sometimes a
topographic map is called a contour map, because it shows a contour or shape of the land.
1. Most maps that we use in everyday life are called ______________________________.
2. One problem with a surface map is that...
.
3. Different parts of the earth’s surface are at different heights or ________________________.
4. The elevation at the edge of the ocean is called ________________ ________________.
5. A map that show surface features is called a ___________________________ map or
sometimes a _________________________ map.
6. On a topographic map/contour map, every point on a line represents
.
7. Contour lines that are _________________ show that the land is
.
8. Contour lines that are__________________ show that the land is
.
Fill in the Blank
Complete each statement using a term or terms from the list below.
steep
sea level
topographic map
contour interval
contour lines
zero(0)
gentle
elevation
9. A map that accurately shows the shape and changing elevations of the
land is called a __________________________________.
10. The height of a location is called its _____________________________.
11. Topographic maps use __________________________________ to
show shape and elevation.
12. All elevations are measured from______________________________.
13. The elevation of sea level is __________________________________.
14. Contour lines that are close together indicate a _______________ slope.
15. Contour lines that are far apart indicate a _______________ slope.
Analyzing Topographic Maps
Use the topographic maps below to answer the following questions.
Figure A
Figure B
16 (Pre-AP ONLY). How long is the island from the northern most point to
the southern most point? (In METERS. Use your scale to figure out how to
calculate your answer.) ___________________
17 (PRE-AP ONLY). How wide is the island?___________________
18. This island starts at sea level, how do you know based on the
information in Figure B? ________________________
19. Which side has the steepest slope? (north, south, east or west)?
How do you know?
_____________________________________________________________
20. Which side of the island has the most gentle slope? _______________
(north, south, east or west)? How do you know?_____________________
_____________________________________________________________
21. How high is the peak of the island? _________________
22. The island has the steepest slope, on the
(north, south, east or west).
23. The island has the most gentle slope, on the
(north, south, east or west).
side.
side.
24. The lowest elevation shown on the map is ____________ meters.
25. Which of these heights could be the EXACT elevation of the peak?
a. 520 meters
b. 420 meters
c. 475 meters
26. Does this landform begin at sea level? How do you know?
____________________________________
________________
__________________________________________ _______________