(a) Describle any four ways in which lines of longitude are different from lines of...
(a) Describle any four ways in which lines of longitude are different from lines of latitude
(b) Calculate the approximate distance in a straight line between Tema (Latitude 6°N) and London (Latitude 52°N) (Show all workings clearly)
Explanation
(a)(i) Lines of longitude are imaginary lines running from north to south on the earth's surface while lines of latitude are imaginary lines on the earth's surface running from east to west.
(ii) All lines of latitude are parallel while lines of longitude converge at the poles
(iii) All opposite lines of longitude form great circles while the Equator is the only line of latitude that forms a great circle
(iv) Lines of latitudes are used for calculating distance while lines of longitude are used for calculating local time of places
(v) Lines of latitude decrease in length from the
equator towards the poles while all lines of longitude are of equal length
(vi) Line of latitude increase in value from the equator towards the poles while lines of longitude increase in value eastwards and westwards of the Greenwich meridian
(vii) The significant lines of latitude are 0°, 23112°N, 231/2°S, 661/2°N, 661/2°S and 90°N and S, while those of longitude are 0° and 180° East and West.
(b) Solution:The average distance of 1° of latitude = 111km. Difference in latitude between Tema and London,
i.e 52° - 6° = 46°, Actual distance = 111 x 46° = 5,106km