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Slope Equation:
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The slope ratio for a drainage basin is a measure of the steepness of the terrain, calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum elevation divided by the horizontal distance. It helps in understanding water flow patterns and erosion potential in hydrological studies.
The calculator uses the slope equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal distance, providing a dimensionless slope value that indicates terrain steepness.
Details: Accurate slope estimation is crucial for hydrological modeling, flood prediction, soil erosion assessment, and watershed management planning.
Tips: Enter maximum elevation, minimum elevation, and horizontal distance in meters. All values must be valid (elevations > 0, distance > 0, max elevation ≥ min elevation).
Q1: What is a typical slope range for drainage basins?
A: Slope values typically range from 0 (flat) to 1 (45° angle), with most drainage basins having slopes between 0.01 and 0.5.
Q2: How does slope affect water drainage?
A: Steeper slopes generally result in faster water runoff, increased erosion potential, and shorter concentration times for flood events.
Q3: What units should be used for elevation and distance?
A: Consistent units must be used (typically meters) as the slope ratio is dimensionless.
Q4: Can this calculation be used for small-scale applications?
A: Yes, the slope calculation applies to various scales from small plots to large watersheds, though data resolution should match the scale of interest.
Q5: How is slope different from gradient?
A: Slope and gradient are often used interchangeably, though gradient sometimes refers to the maximum slope direction in vector analysis.