Final answer:
The International Date Line has two main uses: the increase/decrease of date when crossing from west to east or east to west, and the separation of time zones to prevent confusion in global timekeeping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The International Date Line has two main uses.
- Increase/Decrease of Date: When crossing the International Date Line from west to east, the date is decreased by one day. Conversely, when crossing from east to west, the date is increased by one day. This allows for the synchronization of time and date across different regions.
- Separation of Time Zones: The International Date Line serves as the marker for the transition of calendar days and helps in defining time zones. It ensures that each day starts at 12:01 a.m. at the International Date Line, preventing confusion in global timekeeping.