The steeper the gradient, the higher the velocity of flow.

An increase in gradient will generally increase stream velocity.

Known to be "VELOCITY GRADIENT"

the gradient and how much friction there was.

The gradient means how steep the land the river is on so if it is very steep them the velocity will be higher.

With respect to material being sheared, velocity gradient is the change dv in relative velocity v between parallel planes with respect to the change dr in perpendicular distance r throughout the depth of the material. Velocity gradient has the same dimensions as rate of shear, which is reciprocal seconds.