Question

What are parallels?

a) Circles drawn around the globe parallel to the equator.
b) Land created by draining water, as done by the Dutch.
c) The physical environment setting limits on human actions.
d) Unique combinations of trends or features in a specific area.

Answer 1

Parallels, or Lines of Latitude, are circles on the Earth that are parallel to the equator and crucial for determining climate zones and aiding in geographic navigation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Parallels, or Lines of Latitude, are circles drawn around the globe parallel to the equator. The equator itself represents zero degrees latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The significance of these lines lies in their role in helping to determine climate zones which change based on their proximity to the equator. The tropics lie close to the equator, while the temperate zones are found at middle latitudes and the polar regions near the poles at high latitudes.

Furthermore, the grid system known as the graticule divides the earth using these lines of latitude as well as lines of longitude to identify absolute locations. Notable parallels include the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which are 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. At the latitudes of 66.5 degrees near the poles, we find the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle.