Latitude
Latitude is the angular distance of a location north or south of the earth's equator. It is measured in degrees, with the equator being 0 degrees and the poles being 90 degrees north and south.
Understanding Latitude
Latitude lines run horizontally around the Earth and are used to specify the north-south position of a location. The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, and as you move towards the poles, the latitude increases, reaching a maximum of 90 degrees at the North and South Poles.
Key Concepts
- Equator: The equator is a line of 0 degrees latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
- Poles: The North Pole is at 90 degrees north latitude, and the South Pole is at 90 degrees south latitude.
- Parallel Lines: Latitude lines are parallel to the equator and to each other, and they never intersect.
Effects of Latitude
Latitude has several important effects on the Earth's climate and seasons. Locations closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and tend to have warmer temperatures, while locations closer to the poles receive less direct sunlight and experience colder temperatures, especially during the winter months.
Study Tips
- Memorize the key latitudinal lines and their corresponding degrees, such as the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees N) and the Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees N).
- Understand the relationship between latitude and climate, and how it affects factors such as temperature and daylight hours.
- Practice using maps and globes to identify and locate different latitudes around the world.
Summary
Latitude is a fundamental concept in geography and earth science, defining the north-south position of a location on the Earth's surface. Understanding latitude is crucial for understanding global climate patterns, navigation, and the Earth's axial tilt.
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