Since this week's and also next week's subject is topography and landforms, we'll just make sure this week that you all can read and understand a simple topographic map (or read the basic features on a topographic map).
A topographic map [aka topo map] is one which may have many of the same types of information as other maps, except that it has one important feature - contour lines, which allow one to read the 3 dimensional shape of the land, even on a flat, paper, map. They are essentially the same as the ones I keep reminding you that you can already read in class- the pull-down maps at the front of class which show highest mountains in red and lowest seashores, etc. in green. [By the way, these colored elevation maps are called hypsometric maps.]
The difference is that on topographic maps--as I also keep mentioning--is that you see only the lines between the "colors", so It requires a little closer look than those colored maps. Why don't topographic maps just color the different elevations like the wall maps, you ask? Well, when there's a lot of other data to show, this would lead to a very unpleasing, even unreadable map. A standard type of topographic map, as shown in the back of your lab book, has contour lines (these are the "borders" between different colors on the hypsometric maps) usually in brown, but other features in other colors. Often green is used to show vegetation features (forests, orchards, vineyards, etc.). Red shows roads and other built features, purple shows new features recently updated... so you see that showing these over an already multi-colored map would be a disaster! Once you understand the idea of contour lines, they are actually pretty easy to read fast, as long as you can see some numbers to get an idea of the elevations. Many of you have probably already used topo maps when camping, when hiking, in other classes... if not, now's a good time to start!
I wasn't able to find a perfect www--based demonstration of the principles of topographic maps, but these links - and the work- and textbook should give you enough info if you aren't familiar with them. Also see chapter 4 (page 57+ in your workbook!)
Your assignment:
Read and understand chapter 4 - so you can read the maps in
chapters 14, 15, and 16.
Read carefully chapters 14, 15, and 16. Start to understand the terms; we'll cover these a little more on the 29th also. There's more, and in better colors, of the same in the textbook, if you want to look.
Answer the following questions on a typed page; short sentences are ok; no need to give a long paragraph:
p. 245: #1, 4
p. 246: #6
p. 247: #9
p. 260: # 3, 4 (give relative location - 'northwest corner' '2 km north
of the dam', etc.), 6, 7
p. 263: #3
p. 268: #3
p. 269: #8
p. 270: #4, 6
Extra credit: Describe in about 1/2 page how you might be
able to use topographic maps in your future profession or recreational
time (don't forget to tell me what this profession or recreation is!).
For instance, reading a topo map is pretty useful if you're going to be
an architect, but also useful if you are going to buy and sell property!
If this is halfway readable and well thought out, I'll add a few extra
points...
Don't forget to bring these questions, typed, to class on Monday November 29, and also don't forget to also bring the assignment sheet on plate tectonics, (based on the computer program) also!
Of course for any questions, you may email me as usual at
rjl@uga....
Have a nice Thanksgiving, and see you all on the 29th!
robert