1. Constructed Response Question Explanation
Base your answers to questions 1 through 5 on the topographic map of Cottonwood, Colorado, below.
Question
1. State the general direction in which Cottonwood Creek is flowing.
Northeast
creek flow
Explanation
When a contour line crosses a river valley it makes a V. The point of the V always points upstream, therefore the stream is flowing in the opposite direction.

2. Constructed Response Question Explanation
Base your answers to questions 1 through 5 on the topographic map of Cottonwood, Colorado, below.
Question
3. State the highest possible elevation, to the nearest meter, for point B on the topographic map.
599 meters
Explanation
Point B is within the contour line labeled 580 meters which means it has an elevation greater than 580 meters. Only points on the contour line are at an elevation of 580 meters. Because the contour interval is 20 m, the next drawn contour line would be 600 meters. Because no such line was drawn point B can anywhere between meters. The highest elevation in this range is 599 meters.

3. Constructed Response Question Explanation
Base your answers to questions 1 through 5 on the topographic map of Cottonwood, Colorado, below.
Question
4. On the grid below, draw a profile of the topography along line AB shown on the map.
creek valley must dip a little lower than 500 m line.
Explanation
Click on the following link to watch a video which describes how to draw a profile.

4. Constructed Response Question Explanation
Base your answers to questions 1 through 5 on the topographic map of Cottonwood, Colorado, below.
Question
5. Calculate the gradient of the slope between the points X and Y on the topographic map, following the directions below.
Write the equation for gradient.
Substitute data from the map into the equation.
Calculate the gradient and label it with the proper units.
Gradient = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 (𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Gradient = 𝟓𝟖𝟎 𝒎 −𝟒𝟖𝟎 𝒎 𝟐 𝒌𝒎
Gradient = 50 𝒎 𝒌𝒎
Explanation
Refer to question 22 for full explanation.

5. Question Explanation Constructed Response 50o N 70o W
Base your answers to questions 6 through 9 on the latitude-longitude system shown on the map. The map represents a part of the Earth’s surface and its coordinates (grid) system. Points A through F represent locations in this area.
Question
6. What is the latitude and longitude of Point A?
50o N 70o W
Explanation
Latitude (highlighted in green) run east to west and longitude (highlighted in purple) run north to south. Always list latitude first and always include directions (N,S, E,W).

6. Question Explanation Constructed Response northeast
Base your answers to questions 6 through 9 on the latitude-longitude system shown on the map. The map represents a part of the Earth’s surface and its coordinates (grid) system. Points A through F represent locations in this area.
Question
7. What is the compass direction from point D toward point E?
northeast
Explanation
This is a pretty straight forward question. Be sure you know your cardinal directions.

7. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 6 through 9 on the latitude-longitude system shown on the map. The map represents a part of the Earth’s surface and its coordinates (grid) system. Points A through F represent locations in this area.
Question
8. In a sentence or two, explain where the map is located in relation to the Equator and Prime Meridian.
North of Equator & West of Prime Meridian.
Explanation
Because the latitude lines on this map range from 20o N – 70o N, the map must located north of the Equator. Also, because the longitude lines on this map range from 40o W – 90o W, the map must located west of the Prime Meridian.

8. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 6 through 9 on the latitude-longitude system shown on the map. The map represents a part of the Earth’s surface and its coordinates (grid) system. Points A through F represent locations in this area.
Question
9. As a person travels from location E to location C, what will happen to the observed altitude of Polaris?
The observed altitude of Polaris will decrease.
Explanation
In the Northern Hemisphere, your latitude is equal to the observed altitude of Polaris. Because the latitude is decreasing as you move from E to C so must the altitude. Refer to question 6 for full explanation.

9. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 10 through 12 on the information and the field map below.
Question
Draw an accurate isoline map, following the directions below.
Use an interval of 50 ppb.
Begin your drawing with the 200-ppb line.
Explanation
An isoline is a line that connects points of equal value. Use the data points on the map to determine where the lines are drawn.
A water-soluble pesticide was applied to the ground surface at location A as shown on the map. Precipitation occurred and some of the pesticide that was carried into the ground dissolved in the water. As the ground water moved through the ground it distributed the pesticide. A scientist took samples of the groundwater and determined the concentration of the pesticide in parts per billion (ppb). The field map shows the concentrations of pesticide.

10. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 10 through 12 on the information and the field map below.
Question
11. Using one or more complete sentences, briefly describe the general pattern of pesticide concentrations as the distance from location A increases.
As the distance from location A increases, the pesticide concentration decreases.
Explanation
Location A has a pesticide concentration of 210 ppb, which is one of the highest concentrations. In general, all of the values decrease as you move outward from location A.
A water-soluble pesticide was applied to the ground surface at location A as shown on the map. Precipitation occurred and some of the pesticide that was carried into the ground dissolved in the water. As the ground water moved through the ground it distributed the pesticide. A scientist took samples of the groundwater and determined the concentration of the pesticide in parts per billion (ppb). The field map shows the concentrations of pesticide.

11. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 10 through 12 on the information and the field map below.
Question
12. Use the isoline map you have made to determine the gradient of pesticide concentrations in ppb between points B and point C, following the directions below.
Write the equation for gradient.
Substitute data into formula.
Calculate the gradient and label it with the proper units.
g = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 (𝒑𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔) 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
g = 𝟐𝟏𝟎 𝒑𝒑𝒃 −𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝒑𝒑𝒃 𝟐 𝒌𝒎
g = 25 𝒑𝒑𝒃 𝒌𝒎
A water-soluble pesticide was applied to the ground surface at location A as shown on the map. Precipitation occurred and some of the pesticide that was carried into the ground dissolved in the water. As the ground water moved through the ground it distributed the pesticide. A scientist took samples of the groundwater and determined the concentration of the pesticide in parts per billion (ppb). The field map shows the concentrations of pesticide.
Explanation
Refer to question 22 for full explanation.

12. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 13 through 16 on the diagram below which represents elevation data for a certain landscape region. Points A, B, C, and D are specific locations on the surface of this landscape.
Question
13. The steepest slopes in this landscape are located along a straight line between which two letters?
Line AD.
Explanation
Along line AD the contour lines are the closest therefore making part of the landscape the steepest. The easiest way to determine this is to draw contour lines in, which is what was done here.

13. L Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 13 through 16 on the diagram below which represents elevation data for a certain landscape region. Points A, B, C, and D are specific locations on the surface of this landscape.
Question
14. There is a lake in the landscape region. Place the letter “L” on the map where the lake would most likely be located and explain why you chose that location. L
This location is the lowest elevation and what collects in low lying areas.
Explanation
Due to the influence of gravity, water is constantly being pulled down. As a result, water pools in the lowest possible elevation.

14. R Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 13 through 16 on the diagram below which represents elevation data for a certain landscape region. Points A, B, C, and D are specific locations on the surface of this landscape.
Question
15. A radio tower is located on the top of the highest hill on this map. Place the letter “R” where this tower is likely located. R
Explanation
The 300 meter contour line, which is the highest labeled elevation on this map, has been drawn. The elevation inside this line is possibly higher.

15. L R Question Explanation Constructed Response northwest
Base your answers to questions 13 through 16 on the diagram below which represents elevation data for a certain landscape region. Points A, B, C, and D are specific locations on the surface of this landscape.
Question
16. A person hiking from the radio tower to the lake would walk in what compass direction. L
northwest R
Explanation
The map indicates where north is so all you need to do is determine the direction from the radio tower to the lake.

16. Question Explanation Constructed Response 10 meters
Base your answers to questions 17 through 20 on the topographic map below which represents a coastal landscape. The contour lines show the elevation in meters.
Question
17. What is the contour interval of the map?
10 meters
Explanation
If you count the number of contour lines between the labeled contour lines you can see that each line represents a change in 10 meters.

17. Question Explanation Constructed Response 3.0 – 3.5 km
Base your answers to questions 17 through 20 on the topographic map below which represents a coastal landscape. The contour lines show the elevation in meters.
Question
18. What is the distance along the dirt road from point G to H?
3.0 – 3.5 km
Explanation
Use a piece of string and lay it over the road. Mark the distance of the road and then straighten the string, bring it down to the scale and determine the distance.

18. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 17 through 20 on the topographic map below which represents a coastal landscape. The contour lines show the elevation in meters.
Question
19. In what compass direction does the river flow between points E and F? Explain one way can determine the direction of flow.
South – The river is connected to the ocean, which is the lowest elevation.
Explanation
All water flows downhill and the oceans are the lowest elevations on Earth.

19. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 17 through 20 on the topographic map below which represents a coastal landscape. The contour lines show the elevation in meters.
Question
Show your work and label with appropriate units.
Write the equation used to determine gradient.
Determine the gradient from point C to point D.
g = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 (𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
Explanation
Refer to multiple choice question 22 for complete explanation.
g = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒎 −𝟕𝟎 𝒎 𝟐 𝒌𝒎
g = 𝟑𝟎 𝒎 𝟐 𝒌𝒎
g = 15 𝒎 𝒌𝒎

20. Question Explanation Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 21 through 22 on the temperature field map below. The map shows 25 measurements (in oC) that were made in a temperature field and recorded as shown. The dots represent the exact locations of the measurements. A and B are locations within the field.
Question
21. On the temperature field map, draw three isotherms: the 23o C isotherm, the 24o C isotherm, and the 25 o C isotherm.
Explanation
An isotherm is a line that connects points of equal temperature. If your isoline doesn’t connect to make a circle, it must extent to the edges of the map.
Also, be sure that when you draw an isotherm you take into consideration of the other temperature values.

21. Question Constructed Response
Base your answers to questions 21 through 22 on the temperature field map below. The map shows 25 measurements (in oC) that were made in a temperature field and recorded as shown. The dots represent the exact locations of the measurements. A and B are locations within the field.
Question
22. In the space provided, calculate the temperature gradient between locations A and B on the temperature field map, following the directions below.
Write the equation for gradient.
Substitute data from the map into the equation.
Calculate the gradient and label it with the proper units.
g = 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆 (𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏) 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
g = 𝟐𝟕𝒐𝑪 −𝟐𝟒𝒐𝑪 𝟑.𝟎 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔
g = 𝟏.𝟎 𝒐𝑪 𝒎