In topographic maps, the light brown lines between index contours are called what?

In topographic maps, the light brown lines between index contours are called what?

• A. Intermediate contour lines
• B. Secondary contours
• C. Primary contours
• D. Depressions

Answer: (A)

Contour lines show points of equal elevation, and the bold lines with labels are index contours. The light brown lines between those index contours are intermediate contour lines. They provide the finer elevation steps between the labeled lines, letting you see more detail of the terrain’s shape: the lines spread farther apart on gentle slopes and come closer together on steeper slopes. This helps you read how the land rises and falls more accurately without needing a label on every single line.

Contour lines show points of equal elevation, and the bold lines with labels are index contours. The light brown lines between those index contours are intermediate contour lines. They provide the finer elevation steps between the labeled lines, letting you see more detail of the terrain’s shape: the lines spread farther apart on gentle slopes and come closer together on steeper slopes. This helps you read how the land rises and falls more accurately without needing a label on every single line.