What does latitude measure in geographical terms?

What does latitude measure in geographical terms?

• A. Distance east or west from the Prime Meridian
• B. Distance north or south of the equator
• C. Elevation above sea level
• D. Distance across oceanic basins

Answer: (B)

Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude. The lines of latitude, often referred to as parallels, run horizontally around the globe and are used to define locations in relation to the equator. For example, as one moves away from the equator toward the poles, the latitude increases, reaching 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. Understanding latitude is crucial for navigation, cartography, and understanding climate patterns, as it directly influences temperature and weather conditions in different regions. In contrast, the other options relate to different geographical measurements: distance east or west pertains to longitude; elevation above sea level refers to altitude; and distance across oceanic basins does not connect to a specific geographical measurement like latitude does.

Latitude measures the distance north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude. The lines of latitude, often referred to as parallels, run horizontally around the globe and are used to define locations in relation to the equator. For example, as one moves away from the equator toward the poles, the latitude increases, reaching 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. Understanding latitude is crucial for navigation, cartography, and understanding climate patterns, as it directly influences temperature and weather conditions in different regions.

In contrast, the other options relate to different geographical measurements: distance east or west pertains to longitude; elevation above sea level refers to altitude; and distance across oceanic basins does not connect to a specific geographical measurement like latitude does.