Understanding Latitude and Longitude

Introduction

• Latitude and longitude are imaginary lines on the globe used to locate places.
• Latitude lines run parallel to the Equator, whereas longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole.

Latitude

• Definition: Imaginary lines that run from west to east parallel to the Equator.
• Equator: The longest latitude, dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Measurement:
  • Equator is at 0° latitude.
  • Latitude numbers increase from 0° to 90° towards the North Pole.
  • Latitudes below the Equator are negative, reaching -90° at the South Pole.
• Significant Latitudes:
  • Tropic of Cancer
  • Tropic of Capricorn
  • Arctic Circle
  • Antarctic Circle
• Climate Zones:
  • Tropical Zone: Between the tropics; warm and humid climate.
  • Temperate Zone: Between the tropics and polar circles; distinct four seasons.
  • Polar Zone: Beyond the polar circles; wintry and snowy climate.

Longitude

• Definition: Imaginary lines that start at the North Pole, spread at the Equator, and meet at the South Pole.
• Prime Meridian: The central line dividing the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres, marked at 0° longitude.
• Measurement:
  • Increases from 0° to 180° eastwards.
  • Marked with negative numbers up to -180° westwards.
• Time Zones:
  • Based on longitude, since time varies between hemispheres.
  • 0° longitude at Greenwich, UK, is the standard reference.
  • Time difference: Every degree of longitude represents a 4-minute difference.

Determining Location

• Coordinates: Latitude and longitude of a place.
• Format: Latitude first, followed by longitude (e.g., 20° latitude, 78° longitude indicates India).

Trivia

• There are 180 latitude lines and 360 longitude lines around the Earth.

Conclusion

• Latitude and longitude are essential for locating places and understanding time zones on Earth.
• They divide the Earth into different climatic and hemispheric zones, aiding in geographical understanding.