What do the colors on the contour map of Matterhorn (4478m) mean?

The contour map uses a hypsometric color scale where green represents lower elevations, yellow and orange indicate mid-range altitudes, and white marks the highest zones near the summit. Thicker contour lines (index contours) are drawn at wider intervals to help you quickly estimate elevation.

What is the contour interval for Matterhorn (4478m)?

The contour map of Matterhorn (4478m) uses a 100m contour interval. This means each line represents a 100m change in elevation. Closely spaced contours indicate steeper terrain, while widely spaced contours show gentler slopes.

What does the elevation profile of Matterhorn (4478m) show?

The elevation profile is a cross-section through Matterhorn (4478m) from west to east, passing through the summit at 4,478m. It reveals the mountain's shape, steepness, and relative height compared to the surrounding terrain. The horizontal axis shows distance in kilometers from the peak.

What is the snow line on Matterhorn (4478m)?

At Matterhorn (4478m)'s latitude (46°), the estimated permanent snow line is approximately 3,200m. Since Matterhorn (4478m) reaches 4,478m, about 1,278m of the mountain extends above the snow line. This is shown as a dashed blue line on the elevation profile.

Why does Matterhorn (4478m) have a sharp peak?

Matterhorn (4478m) is a glacial horn, carved into its pyramidal shape by cirque glaciers eroding three or more sides. The angular, converging contours on the map reflect these steep, frost-shattered arêtes.

Matterhorn (4478m)

Matterhorn stands at 4478 meters in Switzerland, part of the Alps, Europe. This peak is classified as a Glacial Horn.

Elevation

4478 m

Prominence

— m

Coordinates

45.976389, 7.658611

Type

horn

Elevation Comparison

About This Mountain

Matterhorn (4478m) is a peak in the Alps, Switzerland. Grade 4/5: technical ascent requiring mountaineering skills and equipment. A prominent summit offering extensive views across its surrounding mountain landscape. Climbers require glacier travel and fixed-rope technique for a safe ascent.

Routes

Hornli Ridge (Matterhorn) 4

8.00 km · 16.0h

Lion Ridge (Italian Route) (Matterhorn) 5

8.50 km · 18.0h

Seasonal Conditions

Topographic Analysis

Contour Map

The topographic contour map of Matterhorn (4478m) in the Alps shows sharply angular contours converging to a pyramidal peak. Contour lines are drawn at 100m intervals, with index contours (thicker lines) every 500m. The hypsometric color scale ranges from green (lower elevations) through yellow and orange to white (highest elevations near the 4,478m summit). Above 3,200m, the estimated snow line at this latitude, contours transition to cooler tones indicating permanent snow and ice.

Elevation Profile

The east–west elevation profile of Matterhorn (4478m) in the Alps shows the terrain cross-section through the summit at 4,478m. The color gradient transitions from green (valley floor) to white (summit zone), with the red summit marker indicating the peak. The dashed blue snow line at 3,200m marks the approximate elevation above which permanent snow persists year-round.