250+ TOP MCQs on Contouring – Characteristics of Contours and Answers

Surveying Multiple Choice Questions on “Contouring – Characteristics of Contours”.

1. Two contour lines of different elevations unite to form one line only in the case of ___________
a) Hills
b) Vertical cliff
c) Horizontal cliff
d) Overhanging Cliff
Answer: b
Clarification: Two contour lines of different elevations cannot cross each other. However, contour lines of different elevations can unite to form one line in case of vertical Cliff.

2. Two contour lines of different elevations cannot cross each other.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Two contour lines of different elevations cannot cross each other. If they did, the point of intersection would have two different elevations which are absurd.

3. In which of the following cases contour lines of different elevations can intersect?
1) Caves, 2) Vertical cliffs, 3) Hills, 4) Overhanging Cliff
a) 1) and 2)
b) Only 1)
c) 1), 2) and 4)
d) 1) and 4)
Answer: d
Clarification: Two contour lines of different elevations cannot cross each other. However, contour lines of different elevations can intersect only in case of an overhanging Cliff and a cave.

4. Contour lines close together indicate _______ slope.
a) Steep
b) Gentle
c) Uniform
d) Undulated
Answer: a
Clarification: Contour lines close together indicate steep slope. They indicate a gentle slope if they are far apart.

5. A series of straight parallel and equally spaced contours represent ________
a) Hills
b) Ponds
c) Plane surface
d) Desert
Answer: c
Clarification: A series of straight, parallel and equally spaced contours represent a plane surface. Equally spaced represent uniform slope.

6. A Contour passing through any point is parallel to the line of steepest slope at that point.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: A Contour passing through any point is perpendicular to the line of steepest slope at the point. This agrees with since the perpendicular distance between contour lines is the shortest distance.

7. A closed contour line with one or more higher ones inside to represent _____
a) Hill
b) Pond
c) River
d) Cliff
Answer: a
Clarification: A closed contour line with one or more higher ones inside to represent a hill. Similarly, closed contour line with one or more lower ones inside it indicates a depression without an outlet.

8. To contour lines having the same elevations cannot unite and continue as one line.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: To contour lines having the same elevations cannot unite and continue as one line. Similarly, a single contour cannot split into two lines.

9. A single contour line can split into two in case of a change in elevations.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: To contour lines having the same elevations cannot unite and continue as one line. Similarly, a single contour cannot split into two lines.

10. A contour line must close upon itself.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: A contour line must close upon itself. Though not necessarily within the limits of the maps.

11. Contour lines cross a watershed or ridge line at _____
a) 90°
b) 100°
c) 45°
d) 30°
Answer: a
Clarification: Contour lines cross a watershed or ridge line at right angles. The form curves of U shape round it with the concave side of the curve towards the higher ground.

12. What is the shape of contour lines in case of a valley?
a) U shape
b) V shape
c) W shape
d) O shape
Answer: b
Clarification: Contour lines cross a valley line at right angles. They form sharp curves of V shape across it with the convex side of the curve towards the higher ground.

13. What is the shape of contour lines in case of a watershed?
a) U shape
b) V shape
c) W shape
d) O shape
Answer: a
Clarification: Contour lines cross a watershed or ridge line at right angles. The form curves of U shape around it with the concave side of the curve towards the higher ground.

14. The same contour appears on either sides of a ridge or valley, for the highest horizontal plane that interests the ridge must cut it on both sides.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: The same contour appears on either sides of a ridge or valley, for the highest horizontal plane that interests the ridge must cut it on both sides. The same is true in case of a lower horizontal plane that cuts a valley.

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