LATITUDE VS LONGITUDE

PRERNA FOR IAS

LATITUDE VS LONGITUDE

1. Latitude

Latitude refers to imaginary horizontal lines drawn around the Earth parallel to the Equator. These lines measure the distance of a place north or south of the Equator, expressed in degrees from 0° to 90°. The Equator is the most important latitude at 0°. Other significant latitudes include the Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic Circle, and Antarctic Circle. Latitude influences climate, temperature, and seasons because different latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight. Places near the Equator are generally warmer, while regions closer to the poles are colder. Latitude is essential for locating places on Earth.

2. Longitude

Longitude refers to imaginary vertical lines, also called meridians, that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. These lines measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is located at 0° longitude and passes through Greenwich, England. Longitudes are measured from 0° to 180° east and west. Unlike latitudes, all longitude lines meet at the poles. Longitude is important for determining local time and time zones across the world. Together with latitude, longitude helps identify the exact location of any place on Earth using geographic coordinates.

3. Equator (0° Latitude)

The Equator is the largest and most important line of latit