Gradient

Inquiry  How do we measure and describe gradients on maps and in the field?  How does a map indicate gradients?  What is the relationship between gradient and land use?

Getting the right answer  Gradient measures the steepness of a slope.  Step 1: Measure the rise (difference in height between 2 points)  Step 2 : Measure the run (the distance between 2 points). Make sure that you convert the scale into metres  Both the rise and run need to be expressed in metres.

A worked example  Say the rise is 42 metres and the run is 600 metres.  42(rise)/600(run) - Formula (divide the top by itself and the bottom by the top)  Divide 42 by itself = 1  Divide 600 by 42 = 14.3

Expressing the answer  The answer can be expressed in three ways:  a) As a statement 1 in 14.3  b) As a ratio 1: 14.3  c) As a representative fraction 1/14.3

What does the answer really mean?  What does 1 in 14.3 mean?  It means for every 14.3 metres travelled along the ground between the two points you would go up one metre. This is a gentle or gradual slope.

Now think of some examples of how gradient relates to land use

How does the gradient of the slope contribute to the severity of bushfires?

Create a question on gradient and test another student  Make sure you have the right answer before you test them