Question

Which of the following is true of the length (as measured in kilometers) of a degree of latitude?

A) It is constant and is approximately 111 kilometers.
B) It decreases as one moves toward the poles.
C) It increases as one moves toward the equator.
D) It is determined by longitude.

Answer 1

The length of a degree of latitude decreases as one moves toward the poles. Option B is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The measurement of a degree of latitude undergoes a dynamic transformation across Earth's diverse latitudinal spectrum, creating a pattern of variability that aligns with proximity to the equator. While the exact length of a degree of latitude fluctuates based on geographic location, a discernible trend emerges: as one ventures away from the equator towards the poles, the length of a degree of latitude generally diminishes. Conversely, as the journey takes a course towards the equatorial region, the length of a degree of latitude tends to expand.

This geographical phenomenon finds its roots in the shape of the Earth. Earth is an oblate spheroid, meaning it is slightly flattened at the poles and slightly bulging at the equator due to its rotation. Consequently, parallels of latitude closer to the equator traverse a greater circumference of the Earth's curvature, resulting in a longer distance encompassed by one degree of latitude. In contrast, those nearer the poles traverse a smaller circumference, leading to a shorter distance per degree.

Understanding the dynamic relationship between latitude and distance provides valuable insights into the Earth's topographical intricacies, shedding light on the nuanced variations that characterize our planet's spatial dimensions.