A closed backward contour line represents which feature on a map?

• A. Hill
• B. Depression
• C. Peak
• D. Plateau

Answer: (B)

A closed backward contour line marks a depression on the map. The inward-facing ticks (the backward direction) indicate that the interior of the loop is lower than the surrounding terrain, so elevations decrease as you move toward the center. This is how depressions like basins or pits are shown. In contrast, a hill or peak would be represented by closed loops without inward ticks, showing elevations rising toward the center, and a plateau would appear as a broad, flatter area with contours that are widely spaced rather than a single inward-ticked loop.