1. Shape and Size of the Earth
- The Earth is spherical in shape.
- It is very large, with a diameter of about 12,756 km.
- The surface of the Earth is uneven, with land, oceans, mountains, and valleys.
2. Globe – A Model of the Earth
- A globe is a small model of the Earth.
- It helps us understand the shape, size, and locations of places.
- We can draw imaginary lines on a globe to find places easily.
3. Imaginary Lines on the Earth
- To locate places on Earth, geographers use latitudes and longitudes.
- These are imaginary lines drawn on maps and globes.
- They help us find the exact position of a place.
4. Parallels of Latitude
- Latitude lines are horizontal lines running east to west.
- They are also called parallels because they do not meet.
- The Equator (0° latitude) is the longest latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
- Other important latitudes:
- Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)
- Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)
- Arctic Circle (66.5° N)
- Antarctic Circle (66.5° S)
- North Pole (90° N) & South Pole (90° S)
5. Meridians of Longitude
- Longitude lines are vertical lines running north to south.
- They meet at the North and South Poles.
- The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
- There are 360 meridians in total (180° east and 180° west).
6. Difference Between Latitude and Longitude
| Feature | Latitude | Longitude |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | East to west | North to south |
| Shape | Parallel lines | Semicircles meeting at poles |
| Number | 181 latitudes | 360 longitudes |
| Example | 30° N, 60° S | 45° E, 90° W |
7. The Graticule – Network of Latitudes and Longitudes
- The combination of latitude and longitude lines forms a graticule.
- It helps in finding the exact location of a place on Earth.
8. How to Write Location Coordinates
- The latitude and longitude of a place are written in degrees (°), minutes (‘), and seconds (“).
- Example: Mumbai is at 19°N latitude and 72°E longitude.
9. Importance of Latitudes and Longitudes
- Helps in locating places on Earth.
- Helps in studying climate zones (hot, cold, and temperate).
- Helps in navigation and GPS systems.
Leave a Reply