In a contour map, what indicates areas of steep terrain?

In a contour map, areas of steep terrain are indicated by close contour lines. When contour lines are drawn closely together, it signifies a rapid change in elevation over a short horizontal distance. This means that the slope in those areas is steep, as the height increases significantly with minimal movement across the ground.

Conversely, when contour lines are spaced further apart, it suggests a gentler slope or a more gradual change in elevation. Other configurations, like isolated contour lines, do not provide information about steepness but might instead indicate elevation points or hills. Similarly, parallel contour lines typically represent flat or uniform terrain rather than steep areas. Thus, close contour lines are the clear sign of steep terrain on a contour map.