Constructing and Interpreting Topographic Map Profiles

A profile or cross-sectional view shows the shape of the landforms depicting the elevation differences along a particular area of land. Topographic profiles are easily made using graph paper and the method illustrated in the figure shown here. Note that profiles need to have both a horizontal scale and a vertical scale.

A profile is easily constructed across a contour map by placing the bottom edge of a strip of paper along the section of the map one wishes to profile (see review book, page 24). At each point where the edge of the paper intersects with a contour line, mark on the edge of the paper. Record the elevation of the contour next to the mark on the edge of the paper. When all points are marked, use the vertical scale on the graph paper to place each point at its proper elevation and horizontal distance.

Homework: Due Monday, November 16th

Profile of contour map given in class on Friday.

Due: Tuesday, November 17th

Bring in earth science review book. We will review homework questions 28-46.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rock Cycle

Image
The rock cycle is a model of the natural changes that occur in rocks and rock materials on the earth. The diagram to the right distinguishes between those processes that take primarily at Earth's (external processes) and those that take place within the Earth (internal processes).  Internal processes, such as compression and heating require the conditions of extreme temperature and pressure that occur deep within the Earth. The rock cycle illustrates several important principals of geology. First, nearly all rocks are made from the remains of other rocks (coal and other organic sedimentary rocks are important exceptions).  Second, rocks are classified on the basis of their origin.  Finally, there are a variety of ways that rocks can change in response to changing conditions at the surface or within Earth. Homework  due Wednesday, April 6, 2011 Review Book:  read pages 55-56; do questions 54-60 on pages 56-57, and questions 1-10 on pages 59-60.
Read more

Weather Map Project

Image
In the past two weeks, we have been studying the properties of the atmosphere and the different weather variables. This week we will begin constructing weather maps.  We will also do a weather map project. The details are as follows: Project Due Date :  Friday, February 18, 2011 Task: Your assignment is to construct a weather map, for a seven day period, across the United States. Criteria : You may select the weather for a seven day period of your choosing. The project must be illustrated on poster paper and may include a typed report. The project must include the following items: o Title of Assignment o Two weather maps that track the changes in weather for the seven day period (from either newspaper or internet). o Map must include a general description of the weather patterns, for example, a description of air masses likely to create fronts (cP, continental polar, mT, marine tropical, etc.). o Indicate on map where unstable weather is occurring across the nation (precipitat
Read more

The Transportation of Weathered Materials

Image
Broken fragments of weathered rock are called sediments . These sediments are often carried or transported from their place of origin to another location. Erosion is the transportation of sediments most often done by water, wind and glaciers. The force of gravity drives most forms of erosion. For example, a weathered rock on a cliff is pulled by gravity, causing it to fall to the bottom of the cliff. Continued erosion, aided by wind and water, moves the sediment downslope away from the cliff. This week we will focus on the agents of erosion and in particular, the characteristics of a stream or river that affect its ability to erode sediment. Homework # 3 : Due Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Textbook: read pages 280-284. Review book: read pages 85-88; do questions 24-37.
Read more