Latitude and Longitude

What is Latitude? Lines of latitude are imaginary lines that run completely around the globe full circles start at the equator at 0 degrees divides the earth into two hemispheres a.     Northern Hemisphere b. Southern Hemisphere

Latitude (Continued) travel east and west all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels)

Parallels all lines of latitude are parallel (called parallels) on maps parallels are shown 10, 15 or 20 degrees apart run from 0 to 90 degrees The north pole is 90 degrees N The South pole is 90 degrees S

What is Longitude Lines of longitude are imaginary lines that run completely around the globe full circles Start at the Prime Meridian at 0 degrees The Prime Meridian passes through Greenwich, in East London. Other Prime Meridians have been used

Divides the Earth into two hemispheres Eastern Hemisphere Western Hemisphere parallels travel north and south run from 0 to 180 degrees shown on maps at 10 or 20 degrees Ex. 20 degrees W, or 20 degrees E

What is the Purpose? Latitude and Longitude together make a grid to help you locate your position on the Earth’s surface For example Woodland Hills High School sits approximately at 40°26’19”N 79°50’13”W This reads as “40 degrees, 26 minutes,19 seconds north and 79 degrees, 50 minutes,13 seconds west

Each degree is divided into 60 minutes Each minute is divided into 60 seconds

Cardinal and Ordinal Directions Cardinal directions North, South, East, West

How to remember? Never Eat Sour Watermelons (in a clockwise circle)

Ordinal Directions Northeast Southeast Southwest Northwest