Longitude

Definition

Longitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the Prime Meridian. It is crucial for navigation, mapping, and understanding spatial relationships between different locations. Longitude works in tandem with latitude, helping to create a coordinate system that allows for precise identification of places on the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Longitude lines run vertically from the North Pole to the South Pole, converging at the poles and remaining parallel at the equator.
2. The distance between lines of longitude varies depending on their position; they are farthest apart at the equator and converge at the poles.
3. Each degree of longitude is approximately 69 miles apart at the equator but gets closer together as you move toward the poles.
4. Time zones are based on longitude; there are 24 time zones around the world, each corresponding to 15 degrees of longitude.
5. Longitude is essential for navigation, allowing sailors and pilots to determine their exact east-west location while traveling.

Review Questions

• How does longitude interact with latitude to create a complete geographic coordinate system?
  • Longitude and latitude together form a complete geographic coordinate system that allows us to identify any location on Earth. Latitude measures how far north or south a location is from the equator, while longitude measures how far east or west it is from the Prime Meridian. By using both coordinates, we can pinpoint exact locations with precision, making them essential for navigation, mapping, and spatial analysis.
• Discuss the significance of the Prime Meridian in relation to longitude and global navigation.
  • The Prime Meridian holds significant importance in relation to longitude as it serves as the reference line for measuring all other longitudes. It represents 0° longitude and runs through Greenwich, England. By establishing a baseline for measuring east-west positions, it enables global navigation systems to work effectively. Time zones are also derived from this system, creating a standardized method for organizing time across different regions of the world.
• Evaluate how understanding longitude can impact our perception of global issues like climate change and resource distribution.
  • Understanding longitude allows us to better perceive global issues such as climate change and resource distribution by providing a framework for geographic analysis. For instance, studying longitudinal data can reveal patterns in climate effects across different regions, showcasing how some areas are more vulnerable than others due to their geographic location. Additionally, resource distribution often correlates with longitudinal positioning; understanding these relationships can guide policy decisions and international cooperation in addressing inequalities and environmental challenges globally.

Related terms

Latitude: Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees from the equator.

Prime Meridian: The Prime Meridian is the meridian (0° longitude) from which all other longitudes are measured, passing through Greenwich, England.

Geographic Coordinate System: A system used to pinpoint locations on Earth using coordinates of latitude and longitude.