latitude
Latitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies a location's distance north or south of the equator, which is at 0 degrees. It is measured in degrees, with the North Pole at 90 degrees North and the South Pole at 90 degrees South. Latitude affects climate, vegetation, and day length, influencing weather patterns and ecological systems. Lines of latitude, or parallels, run horizontally around the Earth and help in mapping and navigation. Understanding latitude is essential for accurately pinpointing locations and understanding global geography.
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Latitude is a measurement of how far north or south a location is from the Earth's equator, which is at 0 degrees latitude. Lines of latitude run parallel to the equator, and are measured in degrees, ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles (north or south). For example, a location at 30°N is 30 degrees north of the equator. Latitude helps in identifying climate zones, guiding navigation, and determining time zones, as it influences how sunlight hits different parts of the Earth throughout the year.