Final Answer:
50 m/km
──────────────────────────────────────
Explanation:
To find the gradient between points C and D, we use the formula:
Gradient = (Change in elevation) ÷ (Horizontal distance)
Step 1: Find the elevation of C and D.
- The contour interval is 10 meters.
- Point C is on the 320-meter contour line (the highest labeled line near the peak).
- Point D is on the 270-meter contour line (you can count down: 320 → 310 → 300 → 290 → 280 → 270 — that’s 5 intervals down from 320, so 320 − 5×10 = 270 m).
So, change in elevation = 320 m − 270 m =
50 meters.
Step 2: Find the horizontal distance between C and D.
- Look at the scale bar: 0 to 1 km is one segment, and 0 to 2 km is two segments.
- On the map, the straight-line distance from C to D is about
1 kilometer (it spans roughly one full segment of the scale bar).
Step 3: Calculate gradient:
50 meters ÷ 1 km =
50 m/km.
(Gradient is often written as a ratio like 50:1000 or simplified, but in earth science, it’s common to leave it as “50 m per km”.)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of topographic map worksheet answers.
