What type of slope would have a surface that curves outward?

The type of slope that curves outward is referred to as a convex slope. In terrain and environmental descriptions, a convex slope is characterized by its shape resembling an outward bulge, where the slope increases in elevation as it moves away from a central point. This shape is significant in land navigation and map reading because it affects runoff and how water flows over the terrain, which can be crucial during planning and operations.

In contrast, a concave slope would curve inward, as if it's creating a bowl shape, which affects water flow differently. Steep and gentle slopes describe the degree of incline rather than the curvature; a steep slope rises quickly, while a gentle slope has a gradual incline. However, neither of these terms indicates the specific outward curvature characteristic of convex terrain. Thus, the correct identification of curved outward as convex is essential for understanding various geographical and environmental factors in land navigation.