EDU515 Assignment 1 solution | Spring 2023 | EDU 515 Assignment 1 solution #edu515 #vu #spring2023

 

EDU515 Assignment 1 solution | Spring 2023 | EDU 515  Assignment 1 solution

 

EDU515 Assignment 1 solution | Spring 2023

Q1: Write a detail note on the various methods used for representation of relief on topographic maps.

 

Answer:

Topographic maps are essential tools for representing the relief, or the physical features and elevation of a particular area, in a detailed and accurate manner. To represent relief on topographic maps, several methods and techniques are used.

Various methods used for the representation of relief on topographic maps are:

1.     Contour Lines:

Contour lines are the most common and widely used method for representing relief on topographic maps. These lines connect points of equal elevation on the Earth's surface. Each contour line represents a specific elevation, and the spacing between the lines indicates the steepness of the terrain. Close contour lines indicate steep slopes, while widely spaced contour lines represent gentler slopes. Contour lines can also show depressions, valleys, ridges, and other landforms.

 

2.     Hachures:

Hachures are short, parallel lines used to indicate relief on topographic maps. These lines are drawn perpendicular to the contour lines and are used to represent depressions, such as valleys or basins. The density and length of the hachure lines provide information about the steepness and depth of the depression.

 

3.     Spot Heights:

Spot heights are points on the map with their corresponding elevation values indicated. These points represent specific elevations and are often marked with a dot or a small number. Spot heights are useful for highlighting prominent features like mountain peaks or high points in an area.

 

4.     Shading and Hypsometric Tints:

Shading is a technique used to represent relief by adding shadow effects on the map. The shading creates a sense of depth and highlights the three-dimensional nature of the terrain. Hypsometric tints, on the other hand, involve using different colors or patterns to indicate different elevation ranges. Darker colors or patterns are used for lower elevations, while lighter colors or patterns represent higher elevations.

 

5.     Layer Tints:

Layer tints are used to depict different types of land cover or geological formations on a topographic map. These tints are typically represented by different colours or patterns. By using layer tints, the map can visually convey information about the nature of the terrain, such as forests, water bodies, urban areas, or agricultural land.

 

6.     Digital Elevation Models (DEMs):

Digital Elevation Models are digital representations of the Earth's surface, created from elevation data obtained through satellite imagery or other remote sensing methods. DEMs provide a highly accurate and detailed representation of relief by creating a grid of elevation values. These digital models can be visualized as three-dimensional representations or used to generate contour lines and other relief representations.

 

7.     Hill shading:

Hill shading is a technique used to simulate the effect of lighting on the terrain to create a sense of relief. By assigning different shades or intensities of colour to different aspects of the terrain, hill shading can give the illusion of hills, valleys, and other landforms. This method helps in visualizing the topography and understanding the slope and orientation of the land.

These various methods used for the representation of relief on topographic maps work together to provide a comprehensive and accurate depiction of the Earth's surface. By using contour lines, hachures, spot heights, shading, tints, DEMs, and hill shading, topographic maps enable users to visualize and interpret the complex and diverse landscapes of different regions.

 

Q2: Explain the process of Earth Rotation and Revolution and its effect on seasonal changes.

 

Answer:

Earth rotation and revolution are two fundamental movements that contribute to the occurrence of seasonal changes.

Earth Rotation:

Earth rotation refers to the spinning motion of the Earth on its axis. The Earth completes one full rotation in approximately 24 hours, resulting in day and night cycles. The axis around which the Earth rotates is an imaginary line passing through the North and South Poles.

 

Earth Revolution:

Earth revolution refers to the movement of the Earth around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. The Earth takes approximately 365.25 days to complete one revolution, resulting in the occurrence of different seasons.

 

 

Effect on seasonal changes:

Rotation:

·        As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to sunlight while others are in darkness. This rotation creates the alternating cycle of day and night, influencing temperature variations and the availability of sunlight.

·        Due to Earth's rotation, areas closer to the equator experience relatively consistent day and night lengths throughout the year, leading to smaller diurnal temperature changes. Conversely, regions closer to the poles encounter larger diurnal temperature variations due to longer days in summer and longer nights in winter.

Revolution:

·        The tilt of Earth's axis, approximately 23.5 degrees, is a crucial factor in seasonal changes. During the Earth's revolution, this tilt remains constant, causing the intensity and angle of sunlight to vary throughout the year. This tilt leads to the change in seasons.

·        As the Earth revolves around the Sun, it reaches specific positions that mark significant points in the seasonal cycle. These positions are known as solstices and equinoxes.

 

·        The varying intensity and angle of sunlight, resulting from the Earth's revolution, influence the distribution of solar energy across different latitudes. This variation in solar energy affects temperature patterns, leading to the emergence of distinct seasons. Regions closer to the equator experience relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year (tropical climate), while areas farther from the equator have more pronounced temperature variations (temperate and polar climates).