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Geography

Geography

Latitude and Longitude: Essential Concepts in Physical Geography (UPSC)

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Latitude and longitude form Earth’s coordinate system for precise location mapping. Latitudes are horizontal circles (0° to 90° N/S) measuring distance from the Equator. Longitudes are vertical semicircles (0° to 180° E/W) measuring distance from the Prime Meridian at Greenwich. Key parallels include Equator (0°), Tropic of Cancer (23½°N), Tropic of Capricorn (23½°S), Arctic Circle (66½°N), and Antarctic Circle (66½°S). Every 15° longitude equals one hour time difference, making them essential for navigation, climate zones, and timekeeping worldwide.