Topography (topos place graphia write)refers to the configuration of surface features of a plot of land, which influences where and

how to build and develop a site, we can use a series of site sections or a site plan with contour lines. (CHING)

Topography (from Greek topos, "place", and graph, "write") is a field of planetary science comprising the study of surface shape and features of the Earth and other observable astronomical objects including planets, moons, and asteroids. It is also the description of such surface shapes and features (especially their depiction in maps). The topography of an area could also mean the surface shape and features themselves. In general, topography is concerned with local detail in general, including not only relief but also natural and artificial features, and even local history and culture. This meaning is less common in America, where topographic maps with elevation contours have made "topography" synonymous with relief. The older sense of topography as the study of place still has currency in Europe. Topography specifically involves the recording of relief or terrain, the three-dimensional quality of the surface, and the identification of specific landforms. This is also known as geomorphometry. In modern usage, this involves generation of elevation data in electronic form. It is often considered to include the graphic representation of the landform on a map by a variety of techniques, including contour lines, hypsometric tints, and relief shading. (WIKIPEDIA)
Contour lines are imaginary lines joining points of equal elevation above a datum or bench mark. The trajectory of each contour line indicates the shape of the land formation at that elevation. NOTE: Contour lines are always continuous and never cross one another; they coincide in a plan view only when they cut across a vertical surface. Contour interval refers to the difference in elevation represented by any two adjacent contour lines on a topographic map or site plan. The interval used is determined by the scale of a drawing, the size of the site, and the nature of the topography. The larger the area and the steeper the slopes, the greater the interval between contours. For large or steeply sloping sites, 20 or 40 (5 or 10 m) contours intervals may be used. For small sites having relatively gradual slopes, 1, 2, or 5 (0.5 or 1 m) contours may be necessary.

How Does Topography Affect Climate?

Answer
Topography deals with the surface and features of the land, such as whether it is flat or has hills. Areas that are closer to water have milder climates. Areas with mountains tend to have extreme weather because the mountains act as barriers.

How Does Topography Influence Weather?

The topography of Earth's surface is one of the primary factors that causes our daily weather. Changes in elevation, especially around high mountain ranges, determine the distribution of precipitation on our planet. Bodies of water, especially Earth's oceans, shape our climates and create the high- and low-pressure systems that cause weather events.

There is typically more snow in higher elevations for at least a few reasons. First it is colder than in valleys, so more of the precipitation that falls is likely to fall as snow; snow that falls to lower elevations often melts in the warmer air below and therefore changes to rain by then time that it reaches the ground. Second, since the air temperature is typically lower on the mountain, the snow is less likely to melt, so it stays around longer. Thirdly, the falling snow is less likely to evaporate before it reaches the mountain tops since it doesn't have as far to fall as it would to lower elevations. Snow stays around longer on the mountain because it has been colder there to start with and therefore the snowpack and soil below it needs to be warmed up more to melt the snow than at lower elevations. Also, the nights are colder on top of the mountain, so less melting would happen at night.

Question 10: In what area across a landscape would you likely find relatively flat, dark soils that are rich in organic matter with the potential for a high water table? On the top of a hill On the slope of a hill In valleys Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be relatively flat, and contain dark soils that are rich in organic matter because many materials have been eroded into this area. Valley soils tend to be low lying and thus have the potential to contain a high water table. Question 11: In what area across a landscape would you likely find shallow soils with little soil development? Correct: Soils developed in these areas tend to be shallow due to erosion, and thus they tend to have little soil development.

Topography's Effect on Soil Formation

Topography has a strong influence on soil development. Soils on the side of hills tend to be shallow, due to erosional losses. Soils on the tops of hills tend to be deep, but lighter in color, due to downward leaching losses. Soils in the valleys tend to be deeper, darker, and contain more horizons. This is due to increased material deposition from hillside erosion, material accumulation from downward leaching from the tops of hills, and the collection of greater quantities of water in the low lying areas. Click the image below for a slide show describing topographys influence on drainage, organic matter accumulation, and profile development. NOTE: This presentation may take several seconds to load.

How Does Elevation Affect Precipitation?

Answer
Elevation affect precipitation in that higher elevation can block moisture from moving. When the elevation is higher then the chances of precipitation are greater. When air cools it causes condensation.

Site development and construction should minimize disrupting the natural drainage patterns of the site and adjacent properties When modifying landforms, include provisions for the drainage of surface water and ground water Attempt to equalize the amount of cut and fill required for construction of a foundation and site development Avoid building on steep slopes subject to erosion or landslides. Wetlands and other wildlife habitats may require protection and limit the buildable are of a site Pay a particular attention to building restrictions on sites located in or near a flood plain Elevating a structure on poles or piers minimizes disturbance of the natural terrain and existing vegetation. Terracing or stepping a structure along a slope requires excavation and the use of retaing walls or bench terracing

Cutting a structure into a slope or locating it partially underground moderates temperature extremes and minimizes exposure to wind, and heat loss in cold climates.