Question

If you were flying directly south from the north pole and reached ${70}^{\circ }$ north latitude, how many more degrees of latitude would you pass over before reaching the south pole? Illustrate and label a diagram to support your answer.

Short answer

The plane passes over 160° of latitude.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Latitude

Latitude measures how far north or south a location is from the Equator, which is at 0°. The North Pole is at 90°N, and the South Pole is at 90°S. A degree of latitude represents the same distance anywhere on Earth.

Calculating Initial Position

As you are starting from 70°N, we need to calculate the distance from this point to the Equator. Since the Equator is at 0°, you are currently 70° away from it on the northern side.

Determining Total Latitude Change

To travel from the Equator to the South Pole, you would pass over an additional 90°, as the South Pole is at 90°S.

Summing Up Latitudinal Degrees

Add the degrees from 70°N to the Equator (70°) and the degrees from the Equator to the South Pole (90°). Thus, the total travel in latitude is 70° + 90° = 160°.

Key concepts

Latitude

Latitude is a key element in the system of geographical coordinates. It measures how far north or south a certain point is from the Equator. These measurements are expressed in degrees, ranging from 0° at the Equator up to 90° at the poles. The North Pole is at 90°N, while the South Pole stands at 90°S. Latitude is crucial for navigation and geographical mapping as it helps to pinpoint specific locations on Earth's surface.

One important thing to remember about latitude is that it doesn’t change regardless of where you measure on Earth. Each degree of latitude remains consistently the same distance apart from the next, which is roughly about 111 kilometers (69 miles). This consistency makes it a fundamental tool in understanding geography and navigation.

• Latitude has a range from 0° to 90°.
• It provides north or south positioning.
• Equator sets the baseline at 0°.
• Consistent distance between latitude degrees worldwide.

Equator

The Equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth halfway between the North and South Poles, and it divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It's considered the starting point of latitude, set at 0°. The Equator doesn't belong to any country; instead, it stretches through countries like Ecuador, Brazil, and Indonesia, among others.

The Equator has significant climatic and ecological impacts. It is known for having a more consistent temperature due to its location in the middle of Earth's two main circles (the poles). This leads to tropical climates with warm temperatures throughout the year.
The Equator is not just a geographical divider but also plays a role in time measurement, with Equatorial regions experiencing roughly equal day and night lengths.

• It splits the Earth into two halves.
• Located at 0° latitude.
• Affects climate and time zones.
• Real world presence in various equatorial countries.

North and South Poles

The North and South Poles are the two extremes of Earth's axis of rotation. These regions are located at 90° north and south latitude, respectively. They mark the points where the Earth's rotational axis intersects its surface.

The North Pole is located in the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by sea ice and is considered the 'top' of the Earth. Opposite to it, the South Pole is situated on the continent of Antarctica, which is known for its thick ice sheets and extreme weather conditions.

These poles don't just signify geographical extremes; they influence global weather patterns and climates. The Arctic and Antarctic regions have long been critical indicators in climate science, showing the effects of global warming and climate variations.

• North Pole is at 90°N, South Pole at 90°S.
• Define ends of Earth's axis of rotation.
• North Pole in Arctic region, South Pole in Antarctica.
• Key areas for climate research and polar exploration.