Final answer:
Contour intervals are smaller for mountainous and steeper slopes compared to flatter surfaces. This is because steep terrain requires more detailed representation to accurately depict the changes in elevation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking about the relationship between contour intervals and the steepness of surfaces. In cartography, contour intervals represent changes in elevation on a topographic map. The intervals between contour lines are smaller for mountainous and steeper slopes compared to flatter surfaces. This is because steep terrain requires more detailed representation to accurately depict the changes in elevation. For example, on a topographic map, the contour lines for a mountainous area would be closer together, indicating a greater change in elevation over a shorter distance, whereas on a flatter surface, the contour lines would be further apart, indicating a gradual change in elevation.