How do contour lines represent cliffs?

Contour lines on a map represent changes in elevation, and the way they are spaced provides critical information about the terrain. When it comes to cliffs, the contour lines will be very close together, possibly even touching. This close spacing indicates a steep change in elevation over a very short horizontal distance, characteristic of a cliff.

In topography, if the lines were to be farther apart, it would suggest a gentle slope rather than a steep drop. Slightly apart lines imply moderate elevation changes, while irregularly spaced lines might describe uneven terrain but not the sheer drop represented by a cliff. Therefore, the presence of contour lines that are very close together communicates the steepness and abruptness of the cliff face effectively.