What does a ridge indicate in geomorphology?

In geomorphology, a ridge indicates a line of elevated terrain that effectively directs water flow away from it, making it a significant feature in understanding landscape topography. The correct choice reflects that a ridge signifies a point that is uphill toward higher elevation numbers or contours on a topographic map. Typically, as you move away from a ridge, the elevation decreases, which aligns with the characteristic of slopes in relation to the contour lines representing elevations.

Thus, when interpreting a topographic map, the elevation values increase as one approaches the ridge, marking it as a prominent landform that is higher compared to surrounding areas. This understanding is crucial in various applications such as watershed management, landscape planning, and ecological assessments, where the movement of water and terrain features play vital roles. Recognizing the ridge as an indicator of elevation can significantly enhance one's ability to analyze and interpret geomorphological data.