Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and Longitude

A coordinate system that allows you to pinpoint your location on Earth.

The system involves lines running in
two directions across the earth to
form a grid.

You need two numbers to pinpoint a spot, just like on a graph.

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Importance of Latitude and Longitude

Understanding latitude and longitude is essential for navigation, mapping, and studying Earth's processes.

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Latitude

These lines run east to west, but measure north and south of the equator.

Latitude lines are also called parallels, since they never touch.

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Latitude

The equator is the starting or reference line.

The unit for latitude will be
N or S for north or south
ex: 42oN or 68oS

Latitude lines start at 0o (the
equator) and end at 90oN or
90oS (the north or south pole)

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Important Latitudes

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0° (Equator)

90°N (North Pole)

90°S (South Pole)

Northern

Hemisphere

Southern

Hemisphere

Two hemispheres at once!

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Latitude and Climate

Latitude influences climate zones, such as tropical, temperate, and polar climates.

Factors like solar radiation and temperature variations are affected by latitude.

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Latitude and Biodiversity

Latitude affects biodiversity
due to its influence on
climate, productivity, and
ecological stability.

Higher biodiversity is often
found in tropical regions.

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Longitude

These lines run north to south, but measure east and west of the Prime Meridian.

Longitude lines are also called meridians.

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Longitude

Longitude lines are also called Meridians. (A meridian is a ½ circle)

Longitude lines meet at the poles; they are not parallel.

Distance between lines is 0 at the poles and is greater at the equator.

Longitude lines start at 0o (the Prime Meridian) and end at 180o (the International Date Line)

The Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, England

The International Date Line runs through the Pacific Ocean.

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Important Longitudes

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Eastern

Hemisphere

Western

Hemisphere

0° (Prime Meridian)

Hotspot

Click the spot at 60°S, 60°E

Hotspot

Click the spot at 0°, 150°W

Hotspot

Click the spot at 30°S, 60°W

Hotspot

Click the spot at 60°N, 90°W

Hotspot

Click the spot at 55°N, 70°E