Final answer:
If plotting elevations on a number line, 'D' represents sea level while points above and below indicate elevations and depressions relative to sea level. Topographical maps show elevation using contour lines. Steep terrains are marked with closely spaced lines, and geologists use these maps to understand geological features and hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you plot the elevations of mountains and trenches on a vertical number line, 'D' would likely represent the datum point, which is often the sea level from which elevations and depressions are measured. Points above 'D' would represent elevations above sea level, such as mountain tops and highlands. Points below 'D' would represent depressions below sea level, such as oceanic trenches or below-sea-level land features.
Understanding Topographical Maps
Topographical maps like Figure 7.36 depict the elevation of terrain using contour lines. Closely spaced contour lines indicate steep terrain, as seen in the map and photo of Devil's Tower in Wyoming. The highest and the lowest points of a given topographical section can tell us about the physical geography of the area and are important for understanding the area's topography.
Calculating Slope and Relief
Calculating the slope between two points given their altitudes can provide information about the rate at which elevation changes occur, which is essential for understanding the area's topography.
The 'rise' represents the change in altitude, while the 'run' represents the change along the horizontal axis.
For example, the slope calculation between altitudes of 4,000 meters and 6,000 meters with corresponding air density changes uses the 'rise over run' method to find that density drops by approximately 0.1 kilograms/cubic meter for each 1,000 meters of increased altitude.
The Role of Geologists
As part of their work, geologists might need to create topographic maps, following procedures that include the rule of V's and interpreting the topography to discern geological features. They can use topographic maps to understand structural geology, such as the dip of layers or the presence of geological hazards.