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Only one line of latitude is a great circle ... the equator. Meridians of longitude
are semi-great-circle, but we hardly ever use that term for longitude lines.
"Great Circle" is a misnomer. It is actually the shortest straight line between two points on the surface of the spherical Earth. However, when plotted on a flat paper map (which is subject to considerable distortion) the path looks curved. But it's the MAP that is distorted; the path is straight.
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Why are the equator and all lines of longitude called great circles?
The equator and all lines of longitude are called great circles because the represent the circumference of the earth. The other latitude lines along the globe are smaller then the actually circumference.
Why are lines of longitude called great circles?
Because they make big circles around the Earth.
Why are lines of latitude and longitude called great circles?
They're not. A "great circle" is a circle drawn on a sphere that has its center at the center of the sphere. -- The only line of latitude that's a great circle is the equator. None of the others are. -- Each meridian of longitude is 1/2 of a great circle. In order to form a complete great circle, you have to glue it together with the other meridian of longitude that's directly opposite it on the other side of the globe. Like the Prime Meridian and 180° longitude, or 34° east longitude and 146° west longitude.
Name the latitude that is truly a great circle?
The equator is the only parallel of latitude that's a great circle.In fact, it's the only locus of any constant coordinate that's a great circle,since the meridians of longitude are all semi-circles.
What geometric shape are lines of longitude?
Great circles.
When you move away from the equator where do meridians go?
Meridians converge at the poles and intersect the equator at 90 degrees. They are all great circle lines called lines of longitude. The equator is a line of latitude and the only line of latitude that is a great circle line. As you move away from the equator the lines of latitude describe smaller and smaller circles round the planet as you approach the poles.
What are parallel of latitude and meridian of longitude?
Every position on the Earth has a latitude and a longitude measured in degrees. Changing the latitude while keeping the same longitude means you are moving north or south along a meridian. On the other hand changing the longitude but not the latitude means that you move east/west along a parallel of latitude. Lines of latitude are called 'small circles' (except the equator) because they get smaller and smaller at higher latitudes, but they are always parallel, so they are parallels of latitude. Lines of longitude are 'great circles' because they always lie in a plane that goes through the Earth's centre, and they are called meridians. Your personal meridian at this moment is a great circle that contains you, the north and south poles, and the centre of the Earth. Get an onion and mark a small 'x' on it, then cut it in two at the 'x' making sure to cut it through its north and south poles as well. The cut plane marks the meridian of the 'x'.
What is the longitude and latitude of the Great Wall of China?
Latitude: 40° 46' 6"Longitude:117° 5' 26"
What is the latitude and longitude of the Great Slave Lake?
Latitude: 61°40′N Longitude: 114°00′W
Latitude and longitude of the Great Basin?
Latitude: N 38° 58' 59.9988", Longitude: W 114° 18' 0"
What is the latitude and longitude of the great basin desert?
21221123
What is the longitude and latitude of the great basin desert?
21221123
