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Topographic map calculate the gradient between A and B.

a) Calculate the elevation difference between A and B.
b) Determine the distance between A and B on the map.
c) Divide the elevation difference by the distance.
d) Use contour lines to find the gradient.

2 Answers

6 votes

Final answer:

To calculate the gradient between two points A and B on a topographic map, determine the elevation difference, measure the map distance and convert to ground distance, divide the elevation difference by the distance, and use contour lines to interpret the gradient.

"The correct option is approximately option A"

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the gradient between two points on a topographic map, such as points A and B, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Determine the elevation difference between the two points. Look at the contour line values at both points and subtract the lower elevation from the higher elevation to find the difference.
  2. Measure the distance on the map between the two points. Use a ruler to measure the distance (in map units) between points A and B.
  3. Convert this map distance to actual ground distance using the map's scale.
  4. Divide the elevation difference by the distance to calculate the gradient. The result will give you the steepness of the slope between the two points.
  5. Use contour lines to confirm your findings, as the gradient is reflected by the spacing of contour lines: closer lines indicate a steeper slope.

This process uses basic mathematical calculations to provide a numerical value for the gradient, or steepness, of the terrain between two points on a topographic map. Contour lines are essential in this process as they give both elevation and the gradient when interpreted correctly.

User Bshields
by
8.4k points
7 votes

Final answer:

The question involves calculating the gradient between two points on a topographic map. This is done by measuring the elevation difference and distance between the points, then dividing the elevation difference by the distance. The gradient is related to the steepness of the terrain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to interpreting and calculating the gradient between two points on a topographic map. The process involves the following steps:

1. Calculate the elevation difference (rise) between point A and point B.

2. Determine the horizontal distance (run) between A and B on the map, often using the map's scale for conversion to actual distances.

3. Divide the elevation difference by the horizontal distance to obtain the gradient, expressed as a ratio or percentage.

4. Use contour lines to find the gradient, which is steeper where contour lines are closer together.

The slope of a straight line is a similar concept to the gradient on a topographic map and is calculated by the ratio of rise over run between two points. For example, the slope of an air density graph can be found by taking the vertical distance (rise) between two points at different altitudes and dividing it by the horizontal distance (run) between them.

Applying this method to the specific problem on Map 3 involves measuring the relief (elevation difference) and the distance along the map between A and B, then B and C, and calculating each respective gradient. The gradient indicates how steep the terrain is, with a higher value indicating steeper terrain.

User Richardhsu
by
8.4k points