What feature would indicate a sudden drop in elevation on a map?

Master Army Land Navigation/Map Reading with quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Prepare effectively for your navigation and map reading exam!

A cliff on a map is represented by a steep drop in elevation, indicating a sudden change in terrain. Cliffs typically appear on topographic maps with closely spaced contour lines that run parallel to each other at a sharp angle. This configuration signifies that there is a substantial difference in elevation over a very short horizontal distance, exemplifying a sudden drop.

In contrast, features like a spur indicate a protruding section of land that usually rises above the surrounding area but is not characterized by a drastic elevation change. Contour lines are useful for understanding the general shape of the landscape, but they themselves do not directly indicate a sudden drop unless they are spaced closely together, which signifies steepness but isn't as specific as a designated cliff. A draw, on the other hand, is a landform that represents a small, steep-sided valley and leads to a gradual descent rather than an abrupt drop. Therefore, the presence of a cliff is the most accurate feature representing a sudden drop in elevation on a map.

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