What is meant by the term gradient in geographical terms?

The term gradient in geographical terms refers specifically to the steepness of a slope. It is a measurement that indicates how much elevation changes over a certain distance. A steeper slope has a higher gradient, meaning that the elevation increases more dramatically over a given horizontal distance, while a gentler slope has a lower gradient, indicating a more gradual change in elevation.

In contexts such as rivers, hills, or mountains, understanding the gradient is important as it can impact various geographical and environmental factors, including water flow, erosion, and land use. For example, steep gradients can lead to faster-moving water, which may result in increased erosion along riverbanks.

The other terms offered in the choices do not accurately convey the meaning of gradient. The width of a river pertains to its horizontal span, the depth of a valley refers to its vertical measurement, and the length of a river is its overall stretch from source to mouth, none of which relate to the concept of slope steepness.