Characteristics of Meridians

1. North-South Orientation

– Meridians are imaginary lines that run in a north-south direction, connecting the North Pole and the South Pole.

– They are perpendicular to the east-west running parallels of latitude.

2. Convergence at the Poles

– Unlike the parallels of latitude, which are equidistant from each other, meridians converge at the North and South Poles.

– This means the distance between meridians decreases as you move closer to the poles.

3. Non-Parallel Nature

– Meridians are not parallel to each other, in contrast to the parallels of latitude, which are parallel to the Equator.

– The angle between any two adjacent meridians decreases as you approach the poles.

4. Varying Distances

– The distance between any two adjacent meridians is not constant, as it depends on the location on the Earth’s surface.

– The distance between meridians is greatest at the Equator and decreases towards the poles.

5. Numbering and Measurement

– Meridians are numbered from 0 degrees at the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, England.

– Longitude is measured in degrees east (E) or west (W) of the Prime Meridian, with the maximum values being 180 degrees east and 180 degrees west.

6. Relationship to Time Zones

– Meridians are also used to define time zones, with each time zone covering a 15-degree span of longitude.

– This allows for the standardization of time across different regions and the coordination of global activities.

7. International Date Line

– The International Date Line, an imaginary meridian located approximately 180 degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian, marks the place where the date changes by one day.

Meridians, the imaginary north-south lines on the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in the geographic coordinate system. They provide the framework for measuring longitude and enable the establishment of standardized time zones across the globe.