Q.5 In the given diagram, ovals are marked at different heights (h) of a hill. Which one
of the following options P, Q, R, and S depicts the top view of the hill?
(A) P
(B) Q
(C) R
(D) S

The correct option is Q.​

Concept: Top view of a hill

In the graph, each blue oval represents a horizontal cross‑section (contour) of the hill at a particular height $h$.​
As we move from left to right along the ground distance, the hill rises quickly to its peak near 0.15 km and then slopes gently downwards.​

Why option Q is correct

• The peak is closest to 0 km, so in the top view the innermost, smallest oval (highest contour) must lie near the left side of the picture.​

• In option Q, the ovals are densely packed on the left, indicating a steep rise there and a gentle slope towards the right, matching the given height–distance profile of the hill.​

Why P, R and S are wrong

• Option P: The smallest, highest oval is far to the right of 0 km, which would mean the hilltop lies well away from the origin, contradicting the graph where the peak is near 0.15 km.​

• Option R: The highest contour is roughly in the middle; this represents a hill whose peak is centrally located in the distance axis, not near 0 km as shown in the height–distance diagram.​

• Option S: The highest oval lies to the right of the middle, implying the hilltop is even farther from 0 km, again inconsistent with the given profile of a peak close to the origin and long gentle slope to the right.​​

SEO‑friendly introduction

Competitive exams frequently include a topographic contour problem asking you to choose the correct top view of a hill from multiple contour diagrams.​
In this top view of hill contour question with options P, Q, R and S, understanding how contour density and position relate to the height–distance graph allows you to quickly identify why option Q is correct and rule out P, R and S.​