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.