Difference between a meridian (or longitude) and a parallel

Full Answer Section

• Number and spacing: There are 360 meridians, spaced evenly at 1° intervals.
• Measure east-west distance: Meridians, also known as lines of longitude, tell us how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian (which runs through Greenwich, England). The distance is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds of longitude. For example, New York City is at 74°W longitude.
• Time zones: Each 15° of longitude represents a one-hour difference in time. This is why time zones are often defined by meridians.

Parallels (Latitude):

• Imagine rings around a globe: Parallels are like horizontal circles running parallel to the equator, similar to the rings on a globe.
  Opens in a new windowwww.dauntless-soft.com

  Globe parallels
• Number and spacing: There are 180 parallels, with the equator being 0° latitude. The distance between parallels decreases as they get closer to the poles.
• Measure north-south distance: Parallels, also known as lines of latitude, tell us how far north or south a location is from the equator. The distance is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds of latitude. For example, Rome is at 41°N latitude.
• Climate zones: Latitude influences the amount of sunlight a location receives, which in turn affects climate. Parallels help us understand the general climate patterns around the world.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

I hope this explanation clarifies the differences between meridians and parallels. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions!

Sample Answer

Both meridians and parallels are imaginary lines on Earth that help us pinpoint locations and navigate the globe. However, they have distinct characteristics and serve different purposes.

Meridians (Longitude):

• Imagine slices of orange peel: Meridians are like vertical lines running from the North Pole to the South Pole, resembling the sections of an orange peel.