What type of lines are used to denote longitude?

Longitude is represented by imaginary lines that extend from the North Pole to the South Pole, effectively running north to south across the globe. These lines help to determine the east-west position of a point on the Earth’s surface relative to the Prime Meridian, which is at 0 degrees longitude. Each line of longitude is identified by degrees, and they are crucial for navigation and geographic orientation, allowing for accurate global positioning.

The lines of longitude are essential for timekeeping as well. For instance, as the Earth rotates, different longitudes experience sunlight and darkness; this rotation is used to define time zones. Understanding that these lines facilitate the measurement of distance in an east-west axis is fundamental in land navigation, which is why recognizing their north to south orientation is critical for any navigation activities.