Let me solve each question step by step.
First, I need to interpret the topographic map. Key features:
- Contour lines show elevation.
- The numbers (900, 1000, 1500) are elevations in feet (standard for such maps).
- Arrow labeled "N" shows north direction.
- Fish Creek is a stream — streams flow downhill, from higher to lower elevation.
- Point X is inside the “Rock Mountain” closed contour area — that means it's on the peak or near the summit.
- Points C and D lie on the same contour line labeled “1500”, so they’re at the same elevation.
- Steepest slope occurs where contour lines are closest together.
Let’s answer each question:
Question 4: What compass direction is Fish Creek flowing?
Streams flow *downhill*, perpendicular to contour lines, from higher to lower elevation.
Look at Fish Creek: it runs left-to-right across the map (roughly east-west).
To determine direction, check which side is higher.
Above (north of) Fish Creek, contour lines are labeled 800 and higher (e.g., 900+), but actually, look carefully:
The contour line labeled
800 is *south* of Fish Creek (lower on the page), and the land *north* of Fish Creek rises toward Rock Mountain (contours go up to 1500). So elevation decreases from north to south across Fish Creek → water flows
southward.
But wait — check orientation: North arrow points up. So “down” on the map = south.
Fish Creek flows from B toward the right and slightly down → generally
southeast? Let me zoom in to be sure.
I’ll use the image_zoom_in_tool to examine Fish Creek and surrounding contours more closely.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of topographic map worksheet earth science.
