Streams generally flow down hill. The contour lines enclose a smaller area the farther up a hill you go.
The same would be true of contour lines around a depression, such as Death Valley. On maps of such areas, you have to read the numbers on the lines to determine which way is down hill.
The same would be true of contour lines around a depression, such as Death Valley. On maps of such areas, you have to read the numbers on the lines to determine which way is down hill.