Question.
Write short notes on Hypsographic Curve. ( UPPSC 1996)
Answer.
A hypsographic curve is also known as a Hypsometric curve. A hypsographic curve is used to describe the distribution of elevations (both altitude and depression) of Earth's regions. A hypsographic curve often shows the height of the Earth's areas in proportion (percentage) to the total area of the Earth. The sea level is used as the base level for measuring the elevation and depression of different areas of the earth.
A hypsographic curve provides the following information:
- About 29 percent of the Earth's surface is made up of continents, the rest being oceans.
- About 20% of the Earth's surface( Continents) has an altitude of about 1 km and the remaining 9% has an altitude of more than 1 km.
- Mountains ( on Continents) are comprised of around 26 % of the continental areas.
- Plateaus are comprised of around 33% of the continental areas.
- Plains areas are comprised of around 41 % of the continental areas.
- About 8.5 percent of the Earth's surface is about 1 km below sea level. The depth of the rest of the area is more than 1 km.
You may like also:
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon