Which term describes lines that indicate slope by short strokes parallel to the slope dip?

• A. Contour
• B. Tint
• C. Shadient Relief
• D. Hachures

Answer: (D)

Hachures convey relief by using short lines laid along the slope direction. These strokes run parallel to the slope dip, so their orientation shows which way the land slopes and how steep it is—closer and longer strokes mean a steeper slope, while sparser lines indicate gentler terrain. This method focuses on depicting the shape of the terrain through line direction and density rather than giving exact elevations. Contour lines, in contrast, are elevation lines that form closed or looping shapes and don’t describe slope with small strokes. Shaded relief or tinting uses shading or color to suggest form but not the specific parallel-line cues that hachures provide. So the term that describes lines indicating slope with short strokes parallel to the slope dip is hachures.