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Asked by: Donghai Adraoui
science geographyWhy are lines of longitude not parallel to each other?
Last Updated: 23rd June, 2020
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Moreover, why are longitude lines not parallel to each other?
The North Pole is referred to as latitude 90 degrees north. Lines of Longitude are referred to as Meridians of Longitude. These lines are not parallel to each other. They come closer and closer to each other as they approach the north and south poles, where they all meet.
Likewise, do longitude lines converge? Whilst lines (or parallels) of latitude all run parallel to the Equator, lines (or meridians) of longitude all converge at the Earth's North and South Poles. Although the Equator is the obvious zero point from which to measure latitude, there is no equivalent point from which to measure longitude.
Consequently, is longitude parallel to the equator?
The lines from pole to pole are lines of constant longitude, or meridians. The circles parallel to the equator are lines of constant latitude, or parallels.
Why are latitudes called parallels?
Circles of latitude are often called Parallels because they are parallel to each other; that is, any two circles are always the same distance apart. A location's position along a circle of latitude is given by its longitude.