Important Lines of Latitude

Front

What is the Equator?

Back

The Equator is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0 degrees latitude.

Front

What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer?

Back

The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23.5 degrees North latitude and marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

Front

What is the significance of the Tropic of Capricorn?

Back

The Tropic of Capricorn is located at 23.5 degrees South latitude and marks the southernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead.

Front

What is the Arctic Circle?

Back

The Arctic Circle is located at 66.5 degrees North latitude and marks the southern limit of the area where the sun does not set on the summer solstice.

Front

What is the Antarctic Circle?

Back

The Antarctic Circle is located at 66.5 degrees South latitude and marks the northern limit of the area where the sun does not rise on the winter solstice.

Front

What is the Prime Meridian?

Back

The Prime Meridian is the imaginary line at 0 degrees longitude that divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

Front

What is latitude?

Back

Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator, expressed in degrees.

Front

What is the difference between latitude and longitude?

Back

Latitude measures distance north or south of the Equator, while longitude measures distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Front

What is the significance of the International Date Line?

Back

The International Date Line is located at approximately 180 degrees longitude and is where the date changes by one day when crossed.

Front

How does latitude affect climate?

Back

Latitude affects climate by influencing the amount of sunlight received; areas near the Equator are warmer, while those near the poles are colder.