What is Latitude?
Latitude is the angular distance of a location north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. It is one of the two coordinates used in defining a specific point on the Earth’s surface, with the other being longitude.
Types of Latitude
- Equator (0 degrees)
- Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees N)
- Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees S)
- Arctic Circle (66.5 degrees N)
- Antarctic Circle (66.5 degrees S)
Importance of Latitude
Latitude plays a crucial role in determining climate, weather patterns, and the length of daylight hours in a specific location. It also helps in navigation, as it provides reference points for plotting maps and determining precise positions.
Case Study: Effect of Latitude on Climate
Regions near the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures and tropical climates. In contrast, locations closer to the poles experience colder climates due to the oblique angle of sunlight reaching the Earth.
Statistics on Latitude
- Equator countries experience high temperatures and tropical weather.
- Polar regions have long periods of daylight in summer and darkness in winter.
- Countries located in the mid-latitudes often have four distinct seasons.
