If a river originates 200 meters above sea level and travels 100 kilometers to the ocean, what is the average gradient in meters per kilometer?
A)0.2 meters per kilometer
B)0.5 meters per kilometer
C)2 meters per kilometer
D)5 meters per kilometer
E)None of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gradient refers to the change in elevation over a specific distance. To calculate the average gradient in meters per kilometer, we need to divide the total change in elevation (from the source to the mouth of the river) by the total distance traveled.

Total change in elevation = Sea level (0 meters) - Source elevation (200 meters) = -200 meters

Total distance traveled = 100 kilometers

Average gradient = Total change in elevation / Total distance traveled
= -200 meters / 100 kilometers
= -2 meters / kilometer
= 2 meters per kilometer (because the negative sign just indicates the river is flowing downhill)

Therefore, the correct answer is C) 2 meters per kilometer.

If a River Originates 200 Meters Above Sea Level and Travels