Differences between Longitude and Latitude
For a better understanding of the geographical phenomena one must understand the differences between Longitude and Latitude.
The lines of Longitude are the long lines on the globe or map that surrounds the north and the South Pole. While the term Latitude is given to the lateral lines on the globe that stretches between east and west. The unit of measurement for both these lines are same as both are measured in the degrees. As Equator is considered zero degrees, towards the north, the 90 degree Latitude would indicates the North Pole on the other hand the 90 degree on the south would indicates the the South Pole. The Prime Meridian that passes thorough the Greenwich , London, is considered zero degrees Longitude .
Latitude lines run parallel to the equator on the globe and circles formed by these lines reduces as it goes far from the equator. On the other hand, the longitude lines run parallel to the Prime Meridian and radii of the circles formed by these lines are identical in shape. Both these lines are denoted by different symbols.
The Longitude gives a clear idea of its distance from the Prime Meridian and the time zone in which it falls. This knowledge of longitude and latitude helps in time calculations for maritime and aviation. This clearly indicates the time at the Prime meridian, from where the exact distance can be deduced. The Latitude offers an insight into the the climatic conditions and the and the weather of the region. As Latitude denotes the proximity to the Equator, Tropics or the Arctic and hence its knowledge can be used to know the climate and weather condition of the region. The change in weather patterns and climatic conditions can also be understood in the terms of Latitude.
Hence a complete understanding of longitude and latitude is required.
Latitude lines that run horizontally on the map are termed as . parallels as they are parallel and at an equal distance from each other. Every degree of latitude is approximately 69 miles (111 km) apart; this distance may vary as the earth is not a perfect sphere. The degrees of latitude are numbered 0° to 90° north and south where Zero degrees is the equator. North pole is 90° north while South Pole is 90° south.
The vertical lines on the map that run perpendicular to the equator are known as longitude or meridians. These lines converges at the poles and are widest at the equator. Zero degrees longitude is situated at Greenwich, London. Greenwich, was adjudged as the site of the prime meridian in an international conference held in 1884.
In a nutshell:
Longitudes are the vertical lines whereas latitudes are lateral lines.
Longitudes ranges from 0 to 180 degrees while Latitude ranges from 0 to 90 degrees.
The Longitude of a place help us comprehend its time zone while the Latitude help in understanding the climatic and weather of conditions of the place.
One must understand the difference between longitudes and latitude as any misunderstanding or wrong conception will spoil your understanding about the things.
