There is a characteristic curve to all long profiles. What is the term for the shape of such a curve?

Hint: This term is more commonly applied to the shape of a surface, rather than a line.

D. Stream gradients The steepness of a stream's bed is called the stream's gradient-which is graphically shown in a number of long profiles in Figure 9.7. Q9.7 9.7 Ref: Figure 9.7. (A) How does the gradient of a river differ as a function of its length? (B) There is a characteristic curve to all long pro- files. What is the term for the shape of such a curve? Hint: This term is more commonly applied to the shape of a surface, rather than a line. Gradients of tributary streams are steeper than those of trunk streams. 9.8 Refer to the Cody, Wyoming, uadrangle map on page 161. A) What is the gradient (in ft/mi) Sulfur Creek in the vicinity of Elevation above sea level 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 Missouri 0 6000 5000 Streams and Rivers 151 Rio Grande Colorado Sacramento 2000 3000 Distance from mouth of river (km) Figure 9.7 These are long profiles illus- trating the gradients of several rivers. The average gradient of a hill-country stream (e.g., the Sacramento River of California) Hudson 1000 0 might reach 60m/km, whereas near the mouth of a large river such as the Missouri, the gradient might be as low as 0.1 m/km or even less."