Latitude

Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude.

Key Concepts

1. Equator: The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth halfway between the North Pole and the South Pole. It is designated as 0 degrees latitude.
2. Measurement: Latitude is measured in degrees, with the equator being 0 degrees, the North Pole being 90 degrees north, and the South Pole being 90 degrees south.
3. Lines of Latitude: Lines of latitude run parallel to the equator and are used to specify the north-south position of a location on Earth.
4. Climate: Latitude plays a crucial role in determining climate patterns, as areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and tend to be warmer, while areas closer to the poles receive less direct sunlight and tend to be colder.

Study Guide

When studying latitude, it's important to understand the following:

1. What is latitude and how is it measured?
2. Why is the equator designated as 0 degrees latitude?
3. How do lines of latitude help in locating places on Earth?
4. How does latitude influence climate patterns?

Additionally, it's helpful to practice locating and identifying the latitudinal position of different cities and geographic features on a world map.

[Latitude] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Map SkillsSocial Studies • Fourth Grade
• Map SkillsSocial Studies • Fifth Grade
• Weather and ClimateScience • Fourth Grade
• Cycles of life and BiomesScience • Fifth Grade