Question

What type of map is most likely to show and label rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and plateaus? A. climate B. economic C. physical D. political

Short answer

C. physical

Step-by-step solution

Understand What Types of Maps Show

Each type of map shows different kinds of information. Climate maps display weather patterns and climate zones. Economic maps show information related to trade, industry, and economic activities. Physical maps display geographic features like rivers, lakes, and mountains. Political maps show boundaries, cities, and countries.

Identify the Features Listed

The exercise asks for a map that shows rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and plateaus. These are all natural, geographic features.

Match the Features with the Map Type

Since rivers, lakes, mountain ranges, and plateaus are physical features, the map that shows these features must be a physical map.

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the understanding that physical maps display geographical features, the correct answer is 'C. physical'.

Key concepts

Physical Maps

Physical maps are a type of map specifically designed to show natural geographic features. These maps are incredibly useful for understanding the physical landscape of an area. They display features such as rivers, lakes, mountains, plateaus, and other landforms. By using different colors and shading, physical maps can depict elevation changes and the type of terrain found in a region. For instance, blue might represent bodies of water, while green could indicate lowland areas, and brown might show mountainous regions. Physical maps help us visualize the shape and nature of the Earth's surface, making them an essential tool in geography.

Geographic Features

Geographic features are natural parts of the Earth's surface. These include various landforms and bodies of water that you might see on a physical map. Some key geographic features to know are:

• Rivers: Streams of water that flow across the land and often into larger bodies of water like seas or oceans.
• Lakes: Large pools of water surrounded by land.
• Mountain Ranges: Groups of mountains connected by high ground.
• Plateaus: Elevated flatlands that rise sharply above the surrounding area.

Understanding these features helps in reading maps more effectively and appreciating the complexity of the Earth's landscape.

Map Reading Skills

Map reading is a vital skill for anyone interested in geography. It involves understanding various symbols, scales, and legends found on maps. Here are some basic map-reading skills:

• Legend: A key that explains the symbols and colors used on the map.
• Scale: Shows the ratio between distances on the map and the actual distances on the ground.
• Compass Rose: Indicates direction (north, south, east, west) on the map.
• Contour Lines: Lines that show elevation and the shape of the terrain.

By mastering these elements, you can accurately interpret physical maps and effectively use them for various educational and practical purposes.

Educational Geography

Educational geography incorporates the tools and techniques of understanding the Earth's surface and how we interact with it. Learning geography helps students appreciate the diversity of the world's landscapes and cultures. Physical maps play a crucial role in this learning process by giving a visual representation of geographic features.
Geography education can involve:

• Using maps to learn about different terrains and bodies of water.
• Understanding the physical processes that shape the earth, such as erosion and volcanism.
• Exploring human impact on the environment and how natural features affect human activities.

By studying educational geography, students gain valuable insights into both the natural world and the intricacies of our planet's physical features.