Chapter 3: Latitude, Longitude and Time
Geography - Pratical Work in Geography • Class 11
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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate8 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter introduces the concepts of latitude and longitude, which form the basis of the geographical coordinate system used to locate any place on Earth. It explains the difference between parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude, detailing how these lines are drawn and used in map reading. Additionally, the chapter discusses how local time varies with longitude, covering the concept of the Prime Meridian and the International Date Line for time calculations and zone demarcations. The chapter offers examples of calculating local time based on longitude differences from Greenwich Mean Time.
Key Topics
- •Parallels of latitude
- •Meridians of longitude
- •Prime Meridian
- •International Date Line
- •Time zones and local time
- •Geographical coordinates
- •Great and small circles
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the concept of geographical coordinates and their uses.
- ✓Differentiate between latitudes and longitudes and their implications.
- ✓Calculate the local time of a place using longitude differences.
- ✓Recognize the significance of the Prime Meridian and the International Date Line.
- ✓Explain how time zones are established and their global necessity.
Questions in Chapter
Which are the two natural points of references on the earth?
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What is a great circle?
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What are coordinates?
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Why does the sun appear to be moving from east to west?
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What is meant by local time?
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Distinguish between latitudes and longitudes.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain why the latitude of a location is important for determining climate.
mediumAnswer: Latitude affects the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth, influencing temperature and climate zones. Regions near the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer climates, whereas regions closer to the poles receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, resulting in cooler climates.
How do time zones work and why are they necessary?
mediumAnswer: Time zones divide the world into regions where the same standard time is used. They are necessary because the Earth rotates 360 degrees in about 24 hours, and different parts of the world experience sunlight at different times. By dividing the world into time zones, each region can have a standard time suitable for its geographical position relative to the sun.
Describe the significance of the International Date Line.
hardAnswer: The International Date Line is crucial because it serves as the line of demarcation where one calendar day ends and the next begins. Crossing the line results in a change of calendar day; traveling eastward subtracts a day while traveling westward adds a day. It helps to keep international dates synchronized despite the Earth's rotation.
How can GPS technology determine your precise location on Earth?
hardAnswer: GPS technology calculates your exact location by using a network of satellites that send precise signals. A GPS receiver triangulates these signals from at least four satellites to compute your exact position in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude.
Why is the Prime Meridian located at Greenwich, and how did it come to be a global standard?
mediumAnswer: The Prime Meridian is located at Greenwich due to the historical significance of the Greenwich Observatory in global navigation and timekeeping. It was established as the international standard at the International Meridian Conference in 1884, primarily due to the United Kingdom's prominent role in navigation and mapmaking at the time.