Gradient (or slope)-The rate of change in field values

between two points on a field map.

- How gentle or steep the land isSteep slope – lines are

closer together

Gentle slope – lines are farther

apart

Formula for Calculating Gradient

(Formula from the ESRT, pg

1)

Gradient examples --A hiker gains 250 meters in

altitude by climbing a mountain from the valley. The peak is 5 km

from the valley. What is the gradient of the mountain side?

(First copy the formula from your ESRT)

Gradient examples -

Change in field value = 250 metersDistance = 5 kilometers

250 meters

5 kilometersGradient =

Gradient = 50 m/km

Closure:

Complete worksheet Gradient Problems.

Answers:1.

2. 160 ft. – 142 ft. = 300 miles

=.06 ft/mile

3.

65 ft. – 58 ft. = 42 miles

=.167 ft/mile

4.

750 miles = 1500 miles

=.5 mile/mile

5.

298 ft. – 292 ft. = 900 miles

=.0067 ft/mile

6.

400 ft. – 300 ft. = 4 miles

= 25 ft/mile