Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location’s north-south position on the Earth’s surface. It is measured in degrees and is one of the two primary coordinates used in the global coordinate system, the other being longitude. Latitude lines run horizontally around the Earth and are also known as parallels.
Key points about latitude:
- Measurement: Latitude is measured in degrees, with values ranging from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the North Pole (North Latitude) and -90° at the South Pole (South Latitude).
- Equator: The Equator is the reference line at 0° latitude, and it circles the Earth horizontally at its widest point. Locations along the Equator experience a relatively consistent climate throughout the year.
- Polar Circles: At approximately 66.5° North and 66.5° South latitude, you find the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle, respectively. These circles mark the points beyond which there are periods of continuous daylight in summer and continuous darkness in winter.
- Tropics: The Tropic of Cancer is located at approximately 23.5° North latitude, and the Tropic of Capricorn is at approximately 23.5° South latitude. These lines mark the northernmost and southernmost latitudes where the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon.
- Navigational Reference: Latitude is essential for navigation, as it helps determine a location’s position in relation to the Earth’s poles. Sailors, pilots, and GPS systems use latitude to pinpoint their positions.
- Climate: Latitude significantly influences a region’s climate. Locations closer to the Equator generally experience warmer temperatures, while those closer to the poles tend to be colder.
- Lines of Latitude: Latitude lines are parallel to the Equator and circle the Earth from east to west. Each degree of latitude is further divided into minutes and seconds for precise measurements.
- Northern and Southern Hemispheres: Latitude is used to divide the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere (positive values) and the Southern Hemisphere (negative values).
- Latitude and Longitude: Together, latitude and longitude provide a precise way to describe any location on Earth’s surface.
Latitude, along with longitude, forms the foundation for the global system of coordinates that allows us to pinpoint locations accurately on maps and GPS devices. It is a fundamental concept in geography, navigation, and cartography.