NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes 'hachure marks' on contour lines?

1. Indicate a slope

2. Denote a depression in elevation

3. Show direction of water flow

4. Represent the scale of the map

The correct answer is: Denote a depression in elevation

Hachure marks are small lines drawn on a contour line, typically on top of the contour line itself. Their primary purpose is to signify a depression or a low area in the terrain's elevation. When you see hachure marks, they indicate that the elevation decreases within that area, differentiating it from regular contour lines that illustrate sloped terrain where the elevation is either uniformly rising or falling. This distinction is important for understanding terrain, especially in environmental studies, land-use planning, or when analyzing drainage patterns. The presence of hachure marks is a visual cue that helps professionals and observers recognize features such as ponds, basins, or other topographical depressions. The other options do not accurately represent the function of hachure marks. For example, while contour lines indeed indicate slopes, hachure marks are not used to show slopes but rather depressions. They also do not indicate water flow direction directly, nor do they represent the scale of the map, which would be shown separately in the map key or legend.