Question

Which are useful for measuring position north or south of the equator? A. lines of latitude B. lines of longitude c. index contours D. map legends

Short answer

Lines of latitude measure position north or south of the equator.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Latitudes and Longitudes

Lines of latitude, also known as parallels, are imaginary lines that run horizontally around the Earth. They measure the distance north or south of the equator in degrees. The equator is at 0 degrees latitude, while the North Pole is at 90 degrees north latitude and the South Pole is at 90 degrees south latitude. Lines of longitude, or meridians, run from the North Pole to the South Pole and measure the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Understanding Index Contours and Map Legends

Index contours are thicker contour lines in a topographic map that typically have elevation labels and help in understanding the elevation changes. Map legends are visual explanations of the symbols used on a map, like roads, rivers, and various landmarks. Neither index contours nor map legends are related to measuring position relative to the equator.

Determining the Correct Answer

Considering the roles discussed, lines of latitude are used specifically for measuring how far north or south a location is from the equator. Therefore, the correct measure of position relative to the equator is the lines of latitude.

Key concepts

Understanding Longitude

Longitude lines are imaginary vertical lines that span the globe. They run from the North Pole to the South Pole. These lines help us measure how far east or west a location is from the Prime Meridian.

The Prime Meridian is the zero-longitude line and is located in Greenwich, England. If you travel eastward, longitudes increase up to 180 degrees, named the Eastern Hemisphere. If you move westward, they increase to 180 degrees in the Western Hemisphere.

Longitude is crucial in navigation and global positioning, helping determine time zones and flight paths across the planet.

The Equator's Role

The equator is an important imaginary line that circles the globe horizontally. It divides Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Located at 0 degrees latitude, the equator is the starting point for measuring latitude.

It is the benchmark from which all other latitudinal lines (parallels) are measured. Places situated on the equator experience nearly equal day and night durations year-round.

In addition to its geographical importance, the equator plays a vital role in climate, as regions around it tend to have more tropical climates.

Exploring Topographic Maps

Topographic maps offer detailed, two-dimensional representations of the Earth's surface. They contain contour lines that depict elevation and terrain shapes like mountains and valleys.

An essential feature of topographic maps is the use of index contours. These specific lines are thicker and usually labeled with their exact elevations. By using topographic maps, one can determine how steep an area is or plan a hiking route by understanding elevation changes.

Topographic maps are invaluable for applications in geography, environmental science, and outdoor activities like hiking.

Decoding Map Symbols

Map symbols are key tools for interpreting maps effectively. They provide visual representations of different features on a map, such as roads, bodies of water, or buildings.

Each symbol is explained in the map's legend, which acts like a key for the map. Using the legend, you can decode what each symbol represents, transforming the map into a rich source of geographic information.

Knowing how to read map symbols allows users to navigate unfamiliar areas and understand complex geographic and topographic information. This skill is particularly useful in fields like cartography and urban planning.