Latitude

Latitude is the angular distance of a location north or south of the Earth's equator. It is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds and ranges from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles.

Key Points to Remember:

• Latitude lines are also called parallels and run east-west around the globe.
• The equator is the starting point for measuring latitude and is 0°.
• Locations north of the equator are expressed as positive values, while locations south of the equator are expressed as negative values.
• Latitude helps in determining climate zones and navigation.

Study Tips:

1. Memorize the important latitudinal lines such as the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S), Arctic Circle (66.5°N), and Antarctic Circle (66.5°S).
2. Understand the relationship between latitude and climate. Areas near the equator experience a tropical climate, while those closer to the poles have a polar climate.
3. Practice using latitude coordinates to locate specific places on a map or globe.

[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