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Can contour lines split into multiple directions?
True
False
Only at certain elevations.
Only if they represent a cliff.
The correct answer is: False
Contour lines are used in maps to represent elevation on the land surface. They connect points of equal elevation and provide valuable information about the terrain's shape. Contour lines cannot split into multiple directions at a single elevation point because this would imply that there are multiple different elevation values at a single point, which is not possible. When contour lines are drawn correctly, they should either form closed loops or extend off the map, smoothly transitioning from one line to another to indicate changes in elevation. They might change direction to follow the terrain, but they will never fork or split into separate lines at the same elevation. Understanding this principle is crucial for interpreting topographic maps accurately, as recognizing the continuity and relationships between contour lines helps surveyors and others gauge slope steepness, flat areas, or potential depressions.