A depression on a topographic map is best described as what kind of pattern?

A depression on a topographic map is best described as what kind of pattern?

• A. Higher interior than surrounding
• B. Lower interior than surrounding
• C. Same elevation interior and exterior
• D. No consistent pattern across the area

Answer: (B)

Depression means a sunken area relative to the surrounding land. On a topographic map, this shows up as closed contour lines where elevations decrease toward the center, so the interior is lower than the outside. Sometimes the inner side of the contour lines has small tick marks (hachures) pointing toward lower ground to indicate this sunken feature. That pattern distinguishes depressions from hills (where the interior would be higher), flat areas (same elevation), or irregular patterns with no clear relief.

Depression means a sunken area relative to the surrounding land. On a topographic map, this shows up as closed contour lines where elevations decrease toward the center, so the interior is lower than the outside. Sometimes the inner side of the contour lines has small tick marks (hachures) pointing toward lower ground to indicate this sunken feature. That pattern distinguishes depressions from hills (where the interior would be higher), flat areas (same elevation), or irregular patterns with no clear relief.