Latitude and Longitude

Hemispheres Hemispheres are used to divide the earth into quadrants (quarters), using the cardinal points as a reference. Northern Hemisphere Southern Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere Western Hemisphere

Hemispheres

Latitude and Longitude Latitude and Longitude Acts as a grid system for the entire earth Latitude: There are 90 degrees of latitude in two directions, both North and South. They are known as parallels, and their starting point is at the equator. Longitude: There are 180 degrees of longitude in two directions, East and West. They are known as meridians, and their starting point is the Prime Meridian.

Important ‘Imaginary’ Lines Equator: the line that runs horizontally along the center of the earth. It is equally distant from each of the poles. (0 degrees N and S)

The Tropics: Cancer and Capricorn Tropic of Cancer: horizontal line at 23.5 degrees north of the equator. It is the northern limit of direct sunlight. Tropic of Capricorn: horizontal line at 23.5 degrees south of the equator. It is the southern limit of direct sunlight. Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Capricorn

The Circles: Arctic and Antarctic The Arctic Circle: Horizontal line at 66.5 degrees north of the equator. The Antarctic Circle: Horizontal line at 66.5 degrees south of the equator. *Each receive no sunlight at opposite times during the year.

The Prime Meridian Prime Meridian: A vertical line that extends from one pole to the other (signifies 0 degrees of longitude). It passes through Royal Observatory at Greenwich, England (part of London). It also passes through France, Spain, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Ghana.

International Date Line A vertical line that runs from one pole to the other. It is exactly opposite to the Prime Meridian, and is considered 180 degrees, East and West. This line passes through the Pacific Ocean.

Practice When determining a location using latitude and longitude, Latitude (the horizontal lines) is listed first. It must have a direction (N or S) “D” is located at: 60 degrees South, and 40 degrees West.

Practice Find the Latitude and Longitude of E and A. E: 40 degrees North, 60 degrees East (40N 60E) A: 20 degrees South, 100 degrees East (20 S 100 E)

Latitude and Longitude Skills! Parliament Ottawa Sudbury Winnipeg Regina Calgary Kelowna, BC 49 N, 123 W Dawson City 62 N, 114 W Churchill, Manitoba St John’s, NL 44.5 N, 63.5 W Grand Manan St John, NB Quebec City Hull, QC