Answers to First Laboratory Pre-test

Following the links given to you in the handout leads you to a very nice compilation provided by the USGS, the nation's main producer of topographic maps. Which scales are common? Well, check it out yourself.
I expected at least two scales. Vague answers like "large and small scale maps" did not receive any credit.

(2 points)

The handout gives you a few examples of what is shown on maps of different scales. large scale maps show more detail, small scale maps tend to cover more area (provided they are about the same size).

(1 point)

Since the spacing of contours tells you about the steepness of the slope we should check how widely or narrowly the contour lines are spaced in different parts of the valley. Yes, the lake is located smack in the center of the valley.  It is not perched on a mountain top, which would be rather unusual (but not impossible, see this example)

The contour lines are widely spaced in the valley bottom (rather flat) and tightly grouped (pretty steep) along the sides of the valley, giving the valley what shape? We'll see an image in class on Tuesday.

(2 points one for correct answer, one for explanation)

(5 points total)