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Gradient is the amount of change in a field value compared to the amount of distance over
which that change takes place. Gradient is expressed mathematically as:
change in field value
Gradient = ---------------------------------
change in distance
In mathematical terms, gradient is simply the slope of a linear equation (i.e. y = mx+b), where m is equal to "the
rise over the run". Gradient can be determined easily if you have a known
change in field value (temperature, elevation, distance, etc.) taking place over a known
distance. Does this sound at all familiar (rate calculation)?
Example:
The elevation of a base camp on a mountain Northern California was
measured and determined to be 200 meters above sea level. The top of the same
mountain, 10 kilometers away by foot trail, is 650 meters above sea level. What is
the average gradient of the mountain along foot trail?
| Gradient = |
change in field value
------------------------------
change in distance |
= |
650 m - 200 m
-------------------
10 km |
= |
450 m
---------
10 km |
Gradient = 45 meters per km
That means the for every kilometer you hike
along the foot trail, your
elevation would increase by 45 meters!
Practice Problems:
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