How to determine which direction a stream is flowing on a topographic map?

Question

How do you determine that?

I need something more specific that higher elvation to lower elevation because its just not clicking!

PLEASE TRY YOUR BEST!

I've recently searched about other questions based on mine and non of the answers helped me=(

please give me an example on a map!

Answer 1

The rule of V's: sharp-pointed vees usually are in stream valleys, with the drainage channel passing through the point of the vee, with the vee pointing upstream. This is a consequence of erosion. You should also know what side of the Continental Divide you are on.

Answer 2

If the ground is steep enough that you can see several lines, then when the line make a V shape, the V is pointing uphill.
This
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=32.72447&lon=-96.76612&symshow=n&datum=nad27&layer=DRG
is a map of a very flat area not far from my house. In the center are two places where the contour line looks like a hairpin. This is a gully where water runs down hill to the creek at the top of the image.
On this
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=42.36146&lon=-88.25269&symshow=n&datum=nad27&layer=DRG
Which is on the Fox River in Illinois, in the middle of the picture is a creek running into the river. You can see the 750 contour line pointing upstream on the creek.

Answer 3

Water will always flow downhill due to gravity. Look at the contour lines and make sure it is flowing from a higher elevation to a lower one. You can tell this by elevation marks or the certain contour lines (or elevation benchmarks). Additionally, contour lines will be further apart at lower elevations.

Answer 4

Lok at the elevation numbers on the contour lines so you can determine which way is uphill and downhill.