A ridge is shown by contour lines with end points positioned how?

• A. Concentric circles
• B. Hourglass
• C. U or V with closed end points away from high ground
• D. U or V pointing toward high ground

Answer: (C)

Contours show how the land rises or falls, so a ridge—the high, narrow crest—will be drawn with contour lines that bend into shapes like a U or V, and the ends of those shapes point away from the high ground. In other words, the contour lines open toward lower ground on both sides of the crest, so their ends are directed away from the summit. This pattern helps distinguish ridges from valleys, where V shapes point toward higher ground. The other shapes—concentric circles indicate a summit, and an hourglass pattern signals a saddle or pass.