Gradients: Fold Mountains

Fold mountains originate as ocean mounds and form through tectonic plate movements, creating steep gradients. Gradients are calculated by dividing vertical height by horizontal distance. Initially, the ocean bed is flat, but over time, slight gradients develop, leading to mountain growth above sea level. Climbers face challenges with varying gradients, including undefined ones on sheer cliffs. As the Earth moves, these mountains continue to grow, making gradient calculations uncertain.

What is the initial form of most fold mountains before they rise above sea level?

• Peaks on land

• Mounds under the ocean

• Flat plains

• Volcanic eruptions

How is the gradient of a straight line calculated?

• By adding the vertical height to the horizontal distance

• By multiplying the vertical height by the horizontal distance

• By dividing the change in vertical height by the change in horizontal distance

• By subtracting the horizontal distance from the vertical height

What is the gradient of the ocean bed initially?

• 0

• 1.0

• 0.1

• 0.4

What type of gradient do climbers face when descending a fold mountain?

• Positive gradient

• Zero gradient

• Negative gradient

• Undefined gradient

Why are some gradients on fold mountains considered undefined or infinite?

• Because they are constantly changing

• Because they are flat

• Because their vertical distance is divided by zero

• Because they have a positive slope