Characteristics of Contours

 The following are characteristics of the contours:

a.      Widely spaced contour show flat surface.

b.      Closely spaced contour show steep ground.

c.       Contour lines ought to be close, not necessarily in the restriction of the plan.

d.      Irregular contours show uneven surface.

e.      Equally spaced contour show uniform slope.

f.        with decreasing values approximately concentric closed contours towards centre

g.      Indicate a pond.

h.      Contour lines with U-shape with convexity towards lower ground indicate ridge Approximately concentric closed contours with increasing values towards centre indicate hills.

9. Contour lines with V-shaped with convexity towards higher ground show valley.

10. Contour lines do not meet or intersect each other generally.

11. It shows existence of a vertical cliff if contour lines are meeting in some portion.

                                                                 (b) Plan view

12. If contour lines cross each other, it indicate existence of overhanging cliffs or a cave

                                                              (b) Plan