Describe Earth Feature Patterns - 4th Grade Science
Card 1 of 20
What do widely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate?
What do widely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate?
Tap to reveal answer
A gentle slope or flatter land. Lines spread apart when elevation changes gradually over longer distances.
A gentle slope or flatter land. Lines spread apart when elevation changes gradually over longer distances.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a topographic map mainly used to show about land?
What is a topographic map mainly used to show about land?
Tap to reveal answer
Elevation and the shape of the land using contour lines. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation to show terrain.
Elevation and the shape of the land using contour lines. Contour lines connect points of equal elevation to show terrain.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the landform: a long, narrow high area shown by contour lines forming an elongated shape.
Identify the landform: a long, narrow high area shown by contour lines forming an elongated shape.
Tap to reveal answer
A ridge. Forms a long, narrow elevated area between valleys.
A ridge. Forms a long, narrow elevated area between valleys.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What map tool is used to identify symbols, colors, and line meanings?
What map tool is used to identify symbols, colors, and line meanings?
Tap to reveal answer
The map key or legend. Explains what each symbol and color represents on the map.
The map key or legend. Explains what each symbol and color represents on the map.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the definition of elevation on a map?
What is the definition of elevation on a map?
Tap to reveal answer
Height of land above sea level. Measured in feet or meters from sea level as the reference point.
Height of land above sea level. Measured in feet or meters from sea level as the reference point.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Identify the landform: a low area between higher land, often shown by contour lines forming a U-shape.
Identify the landform: a low area between higher land, often shown by contour lines forming a U-shape.
Tap to reveal answer
A valley. Contour lines bend uphill when crossing a valley.
A valley. Contour lines bend uphill when crossing a valley.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option best describes a mountain range pattern on a physical map?
Which option best describes a mountain range pattern on a physical map?
Tap to reveal answer
A line or chain of mountains grouped together. Multiple peaks connected in a linear pattern.
A line or chain of mountains grouped together. Multiple peaks connected in a linear pattern.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option best describes a plain pattern on a physical map?
Which option best describes a plain pattern on a physical map?
Tap to reveal answer
A broad area of mostly flat or gently rolling land. Shows minimal elevation change over large areas.
A broad area of mostly flat or gently rolling land. Shows minimal elevation change over large areas.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option best describes a plateau pattern on a physical map?
Which option best describes a plateau pattern on a physical map?
Tap to reveal answer
High, flat land raised above surrounding areas. Elevated but with relatively flat top surface.
High, flat land raised above surrounding areas. Elevated but with relatively flat top surface.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which option best describes a delta pattern where a river meets an ocean or lake?
Which option best describes a delta pattern where a river meets an ocean or lake?
Tap to reveal answer
A fan- or triangle-shaped area where sediment is deposited. Forms as river slows and drops sediment at its mouth.
A fan- or triangle-shaped area where sediment is deposited. Forms as river slows and drops sediment at its mouth.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does the compass rose on a map show?
What does the compass rose on a map show?
Tap to reveal answer
Directions (north, south, east, west). Usually points north and helps orient the map properly.
Directions (north, south, east, west). Usually points north and helps orient the map properly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which map data pattern most strongly suggests flooding risk: low elevation near a river or high elevation far away?
Which map data pattern most strongly suggests flooding risk: low elevation near a river or high elevation far away?
Tap to reveal answer
Low elevation near a river. Flat areas near rivers are prone to overflow during high water.
Low elevation near a river. Flat areas near rivers are prone to overflow during high water.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which direction does a river flow when it moves from higher elevation to lower elevation?
Which direction does a river flow when it moves from higher elevation to lower elevation?
Tap to reveal answer
Downhill, toward lower elevation. Water always flows from high to low due to gravity.
Downhill, toward lower elevation. Water always flows from high to low due to gravity.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is the contour interval on a topographic map?
What is the contour interval on a topographic map?
Tap to reveal answer
The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines. Usually consistent across the map (e.g., every 10 or 20 feet).
The elevation difference between neighboring contour lines. Usually consistent across the map (e.g., every 10 or 20 feet).
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which map feature tells you the real distance represented by a map distance?
Which map feature tells you the real distance represented by a map distance?
Tap to reveal answer
The map scale (scale bar or ratio). Shows ratio between map distance and actual ground distance.
The map scale (scale bar or ratio). Shows ratio between map distance and actual ground distance.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does a closed loop of contour lines with higher values toward the center show?
What does a closed loop of contour lines with higher values toward the center show?
Tap to reveal answer
A hill or mountain peak. Elevation increases toward the center, forming a peak.
A hill or mountain peak. Elevation increases toward the center, forming a peak.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What does a closed loop of contour lines with lower values toward the center show?
What does a closed loop of contour lines with lower values toward the center show?
Tap to reveal answer
A depression or basin. Elevation decreases toward the center, forming a low area.
A depression or basin. Elevation decreases toward the center, forming a low area.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What is a physical map mainly used to show about Earth’s surface?
What is a physical map mainly used to show about Earth’s surface?
Tap to reveal answer
Landforms and bodies of water (mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans). Physical maps focus on natural features rather than political boundaries.
Landforms and bodies of water (mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans). Physical maps focus on natural features rather than political boundaries.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
What do closely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate?
What do closely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate?
Tap to reveal answer
A steep slope. Lines bunch together when elevation changes rapidly over short distances.
A steep slope. Lines bunch together when elevation changes rapidly over short distances.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which map feature shows direction and helps you find north, south, east, and west?
Which map feature shows direction and helps you find north, south, east, and west?
Tap to reveal answer
A compass rose. This symbol indicates cardinal directions for orientation.
A compass rose. This symbol indicates cardinal directions for orientation.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →