Kerala SSLC · Social Science · Class 10
Landscape Analysis Through Maps: Important Questions with Answers
These are 10 important multiple-choice questions from the Kerala SSLC Social Science chapter “Landscape Analysis Through Maps” (Kerala SCERT syllabus). Each one shows the correct answer and a short explanation of why it is right. Try answering before you read the answer. ExamSummary has 10 practice questions on this chapter in total.
Q1.What does the term 'contour interval' refer to in a topographical map?
- A)Distance between two grid points
- B)Vertical distance between two consecutive contour lines
- C)Horizontal distance between two rivers
- D)Difference in elevation between a hilltop and sea level
Answer: B) Vertical distance between two consecutive contour lines
The contour interval is the constant vertical distance between two adjacent contour lines on a map. It helps in determining the elevation of different landforms accurately.
Q2.How can you identify a steep slope on a topographical map?
- A)Contour lines are widely spaced apart
- B)Contour lines are very close together
- C)Contour lines form concentric circles
- D)Contour lines are straight and parallel
Answer: B) Contour lines are very close together
When contour lines are closely packed, it indicates a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance. This signifies a steep slope or cliff face.
Q3.What information does a 'Spot Height' provide on a map?
- A)The average height of the entire region
- B)The exact elevation of a specific point above sea level
- C)The depth of a river at a specific location
- D)The distance to the nearest town
Answer: B) The exact elevation of a specific point above sea level
A Spot Height marks the precise elevation of a particular point on the ground measured in meters above mean sea level. It is usually denoted by a dot with a number next to it.
Q4.If contour lines form a 'V' shape pointing uphill, what landform is indicated?
- A)Ridge
- B)Valley
- C)Plateau
- D)Cliff
Answer: B) Valley
Contour lines forming a 'V' shape that points towards higher elevations indicate a valley or a stream channel. Water flows in the opposite direction of the 'V' opening.
Q5.Which symbol represents a permanent structure like a temple or mosque on a topographical map?
- A)Blue circle
- B)Black square or triangle
- C)Green shading
- D)Dotted line
Answer: B) Black square or triangle
Permanent buildings and religious structures are typically represented by black geometric symbols such as squares or triangles. Temporary huts are often shown differently, usually with open sides.
Q6.What is the significance of a 'Bench Mark' (BM) on a map?
- A)It marks the boundary of a forest
- B)It indicates a fixed survey point with known elevation
- C)It shows the location of a railway station
- D)It highlights a tourist attraction
Answer: B) It indicates a fixed survey point with known elevation
A Bench Mark is a permanent survey point established by government agencies with a precisely known elevation above sea level. It serves as a reference for measuring other heights in the area.
Q7.How do you determine the direction of water flow in a river using contour lines?
- A)Water flows perpendicular to contour lines
- B)Water flows in the direction the 'V' shapes of contours point
- C)Water flows opposite to the direction the 'V' shapes of contours point
- D)Water flows along the contour lines
Answer: C) Water flows opposite to the direction the 'V' shapes of contours point
Rivers flow downhill, so they cross contour lines at right angles. The 'V' shape of contours points upstream, meaning water flows in the opposite direction of the point.
Q8.In a 6-figure grid reference, what does the third pair of numbers represent?
- A)The Easting (horizontal position)
- B)The Northing (vertical position)
- C)The specific location within the 1km grid square
- D)The elevation of the point
Answer: C) The specific location within the 1km grid square
The first three digits give the Easting and the last three give the Northing to pinpoint a location within a 1-kilometer grid square. They refine the position to a 100-meter precision.
Q9.What does a series of concentric closed contour lines with decreasing values towards the center represent?
- A)A depression or lake basin
- B)A flat plain
- C)A mountain peak
- D)A coastal beach
Answer: A) A depression or lake basin
Closed contours with lower values inside indicate a depression, such as a sinkhole or a dry lake bed. Hachures or tick marks are sometimes used to confirm it is a depression rather than a hill.
Q10.If the scale of a map is 1 cm = 1 km, what is the actual distance between two points 5 cm apart on the map?
- A)500 meters
- B)5 kilometers
- C)10 kilometers
- D)0.5 kilometers
Answer: B) 5 kilometers
Using the given ratio, multiplying the map distance by the scale factor gives the real-world distance. Therefore, 5 cm multiplied by 1 km/cm equals 5 km.