Meanings of ascending gradually in English

The ground, however, soon begins to rise, ascending gradually towards the north-east.

The hill, on which the temple stood, was rocky, ascending gradually toward the east of the city to its highest point.

We saw ourselves in our mind's eye ascending gradually to the top, and thus avoiding a steep and laborious climb among the mountains.

Beginning with a low note, and ascending gradually to a higher one, we finally attain the pitch of the flame in the longest tube.

The country hereabouts is very uninviting, consisting of a high range of barren limestone hills, ascending gradually from steep cliffs which form the coastline.