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

160° more latitude to pass.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the problem

You are flying directly south from the North Pole, which is at a latitude of \(90^{\circ}\) north. You've reached a latitude of \(70^{\circ}\) north, and the problem asks how many more degrees you need to travel to reach the South Pole.

Calculate degrees travelled from North Pole

You start at \(90^{\circ}\) north and have moved south to \(70^{\circ}\) north. The degrees of latitude you have already covered is \(90^{\circ} - 70^{\circ} = 20^{\circ}\).

Determine total degrees from equator to South Pole

The equator is at \(0^{\circ}\), and the South Pole is at \(-90^{\circ}\) latitude. Therefore from the equator to the South Pole, you need to travel \(90^{\circ}\).

Calculate remaining degrees to travel

From \(70^{\circ}\) north, you need to reach the equator first, which is \(70^{\circ}\) further. Then from the equator to the South Pole is \(90^{\circ}\). Thus, the total degrees of latitude you need to pass over from \(70^{\circ}\) north to the South Pole is \(70^{\circ} + 90^{\circ} = 160^{\circ}\).

Key concepts

Degrees of Latitude

Latitude is a geographic coordinate that is used to specify the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is expressed in degrees, ranging from 0° at the Equator to 90° at the poles. Every location on Earth can be pinpointed using degrees of latitude. Here's how it works:

• Each degree of latitude is approximately 111 kilometers (69 miles) apart at the Earth's surface.
• Latitude lines run parallel to the Equator and are also called "parallels."

When you travel along a line of latitude, you are essentially moving north or south without changing your position east or west. Understanding latitude is crucial, as it helps in identifying locations and understanding climatic conditions across the globe.

North Pole to South Pole

The journey from the North Pole to the South Pole is a fascinating one because it encompasses the entire length of the Earth's longitude lines. This trip illustrates the Earth’s spherical nature and helps us grasp the full extent of latitude.

• At the North Pole, the latitude is 90° north, which is the northernmost point on Earth.
• The Equator sits at 0°, acting as the dividing line between the northern and southern hemispheres.
• The South Pole lies at 90° south, the southernmost point on Earth.

As you travel from the North Pole, through the Equator, and onto the South Pole, you pass through 180 degrees of latitude in total. This journey not only helps in understanding the Earth's structure but also provides insights into the varying environmental and climatic conditions as we move from one pole to the other.

Geographic Coordinates

Geographic coordinates are a system that uses latitude and longitude to identify any location on Earth. It's a universally accepted method, crucial for navigation and mapping.

• Latitude lines run horizontally, with values ranging from 90° north to 90° south, starting from the Equator at 0°.
• Longitude lines run vertically, ranging from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180° east or west.

This coordinate system is essential for a wide range of activities:

• It aids global navigation for travel, shipping, and aviation.
• It is essential for creating accurate maps and addressing systems.
• In technology, geographic coordinates are used by GPS systems to help you find locations efficiently.

Understanding this system allows you to precisely locate any place on this planet, contributing to fields such as geography, environmental research, and global communication.