Question

The geothermal gradient is expressed in

• A. Degree Celsius/km\(^2\)
• B. Degree Celsius/km
• C. km\(^2\)/Degree Celsius
• D. km/Degree Celsius

Hint:

The geothermal gradient describes how the temperature inside the Earth increases as we go deeper below the surface.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Define the term.
The geothermal gradient tells how the temperature inside the Earth rises as we go deeper.

Step 2: Write it as a rate.
It is the change in temperature divided by the change in depth, that is temperature per unit depth.

Step 3: Pick the units of temperature.
Temperature is taken in degree Celsius.

Step 4: Pick the units of depth.
Depth is taken in kilometres.

Step 5: Combine the units.
Putting temperature over depth gives degree Celsius per km.

Step 6: Conclude.
So the geothermal gradient is expressed in degree Celsius/km.
\[ \boxed{\text{Degree Celsius/km}} \]