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£5 <br /> LAND-MINERAL RESOURCES IN THE RURAL BUFFER <br /> DATA ANALYSIS: TOPOGRAPHIC RELIEF <br /> I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: <br /> Topographic relief is defined as the variation in <br /> elevation of the land as measured above mean sea level. The <br /> map used for analysis of the Rural Buffer is from the United <br /> States Geological Survey 7.5 minutes series 1968--69/ maps of <br /> floodprone areas, enlarged to a scale of 1' =1000 ' . The <br /> contour interval is 10 ' , however/ the topographic relief is <br /> indicated at 50 ' intervals. The darker shades of grey and <br /> brown designate the lower elevations/ and these tones become <br /> lighter with each 50 ' graduation. The highest and lowest <br /> points are marked with asterisks. <br /> II. FINDINGS: <br /> The difference in elevation within the Rural Buffer <br /> ranges from approximately 237 to 782 feet above sea level. <br /> The majority of the area falls between 500 and 550 feet. The <br /> shape of the land (topography) is typical for the Piedmont <br /> region which is gently rolling upland made up of rounded <br /> hills and V-shaped valleys. Some of the high points are <br /> identified as Stony Hill/ High Hill, Big Hill, Laurel Hill, <br /> Currie Hill, Scarlett Hill, Blackwood Mountain, Bald Moun- <br /> taint McCauley Mountain, and Pickards Mountain. <br /> III. ISSUES/IMPLICATIONS: <br /> On a large scale basis, topographic relief affects <br /> climate ( i.e. temperature/ winds) which in turn affects <br /> vegetation. At an area/regional level, elevation applies to <br /> transportation patterns, especially locations of highways, <br /> railroads, and even the airport. Furthermore, on a per site <br /> basis, topographic relief influences visual character/ <br /> locations of proposed roads and structures/ and in part <br /> influences the extent of the flood plain. Topographic relief <br /> also has a direct influence on the water table including <br /> location of streams or waterways (all flow of water) . <br /> The issue regarding topographic relief would be any <br /> proposed changes or alterations which should be regulated by <br /> grading permits. Some prominent high points may warrant <br /> protection in order to maintain visual quality. <br /> IV. REFERENCES: <br /> 1. United States Geological Survey 7 .5 minute series <br /> 1968/69. Maps of Flood-Prone Areas. <br /> 2. Gep],ogy an Mineral $Qgourc $ of Orange County, North <br /> Carolina, Bulletin 81, published in 1968 by NCDCD Div. <br /> • of Mineral Resources. Written by Eldon P. Allen and <br /> William F. Wilson. <br /> • <br />