Gradient

1
Gradient
2
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?

3
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.

4
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

5
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

6
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.

7
Now think of some examples of how gradient
relates to land use
8
How does the gradient of the slope contribute to
the severity of bushfires?
9
Create a question on gradient and test another
student

• Make sure you have the right answer before you
  test them