Contours of different land features

Spur

Contours form a V or U shape pointing away from higher land

Steep slope

Contours close together

Escarpment

Sudden drop in height at edge of plateau

Cliff

Contours on top or almost on top of each other

Gorge

Contours on both sides of narrow valley are very steep

Valley

Contours form a V or U shape pointing to higher ground

River

Flows downhill and contours point to higher ground

Saddle

A lower area between two areas of higher land

Round hill

Contours in a circle or oval shape

Knoll

A low circle-shaped hill on the end of a spur