Latitude is the angular distance of a location north or south of the Earth's equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The equator is designated as 0° latitude, with the poles being 90° north and 90° south.
Latitude plays a crucial role in determining climate, as regions near the equator receive more direct sunlight and therefore tend to be warmer, while regions near the poles receive less direct sunlight and are typically cooler.
Understanding latitude is essential for comprehending global climate patterns, navigation, and creating accurate maps of the Earth's surface.