1. Aim: What is Gradient? 99m 10m
Do Now:
Tell me the contour interval of this map.
What is the highest possible point of this hill?
10m
99m
90m m
Contour Interval = ___

2. How can someone see gradient on a contour map?
I. Gradient (slope)
Describes how much vertical change occurs over a horizontal distance (the steepness).
How can someone see gradient on a contour map?
Closely spaced lines = steep gradient
Farther spaced line = gentle (gradual) gradient

3. The formula is on the cover of your ESRT
Calculating Gradient:
- The vertical distance (contour lines)
divided by
- The horizontal distance (map scale).
Change in field value
Distance
Gradient = __________________
The formula is on the cover of your ESRT

4. Vertical distance measuring contour lines
Horizontal distance using the map scale

5. Gradient examples -
A hiker climbs 250 meters up a mountain from it’s base to the peak (vertical). The peak, is 3 km from the base (horizontal). What is the gradient of the mountain side?
Copy example into your notes

6. Gradient examples - 250 meters 3 kilometers Gradient =
Change in field value = 250 meters
Distance = 3 kilometers
250 meters
3 kilometers
Gradient =
Gradient = 83.3 m/km