Latitude

Definition

Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, with the equator at 0° latitude, the North Pole at 90° North, and the South Pole at 90° South. Latitude plays a crucial role in understanding climate patterns, time zones, and navigation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are used to determine how far north or south a location is from it.
2. Every degree of latitude is approximately equal to 69 miles (111 kilometers), making it easier to calculate distances between locations.
3. Latitude affects climate, with areas near the equator generally experiencing warmer temperatures and greater biodiversity compared to regions near the poles.
4. The concept of latitude is essential for navigation, as it helps sailors and pilots determine their position relative to the Earth's surface.
5. Latitude is also important in defining time zones, with each time zone typically spanning 15 degrees of longitude, but influenced by political boundaries.

Review Questions

• How does latitude influence climate patterns around the world?
  • Latitude significantly impacts climate patterns by determining how much sunlight an area receives throughout the year. Regions located near the equator experience more direct sunlight and warmer temperatures year-round, while areas closer to the poles receive less direct sunlight, leading to colder climates. This variation in solar energy contributes to different ecosystems and biodiversity levels based on latitude.
• Discuss how latitude is used in navigation and why it is important for maritime and aerial travel.
  • Latitude is crucial for navigation as it helps sailors and pilots pinpoint their exact location on Earth. By using latitude lines alongside longitude lines, navigators can create a grid system that allows for accurate positioning. This system is especially vital for maritime and aerial travel because it ensures safe routes are taken, avoiding hazards while optimizing travel time across vast distances.
• Evaluate the role of latitude in determining time zones and its impact on global communication.
  • Latitude plays a significant role in determining time zones as it affects the amount of daylight different regions receive throughout the year. While longitude primarily defines time zones based on Earth's rotation, latitude influences local time variations due to seasonal changes. This interplay impacts global communication and scheduling, as businesses must account for these differences when coordinating with partners or clients across various latitudes.

Related terms

Longitude: Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian.

Equator: The Equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0° latitude.

Great Circles: Great circles are the largest circles that can be drawn on a sphere, representing the shortest distance between two points on Earth, and are used in navigation.