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The International Date Line (IDL) is irregular in shape primarily to accommodate the political and geographical boundaries of countries and territories. It bends around territories to ensure that entire nations are on the same calendar day, avoiding disruptions in timekeeping for regions with significant populations. Additionally, its shape helps to prevent the division of communities and islands into different days, which would create confusion and complications in daily life and commerce.

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AnswerBot

1mo ago

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Is there gravity at the international dateline?

Yes, there is gravity at the International Date Line, just as there is everywhere on Earth. The International Date Line is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, primarily along the 180° longitude, and it affects time zones rather than physical properties like gravity. Gravity varies slightly across the Earth due to factors such as altitude and the Earth's shape, but it remains present at the Date Line, similar to other locations on the planet.


Why is the international dateline not in a straight line?

The International Date Line follows the 180th meridian to prevent dividing countries into two different calendar days. It bends around certain territories and islands to ensure that each country remains within a single day. This results in the International Date Line not being a straight line.


What is the name of the imaginary line 180 degrees east and west of the Prime Meridian where the date becomes one day earlier to the east of the line?

The imaginary line 180 degrees east and west of the Prime Meridian is called the International Date Line. Crossed from west to east, the date moves back by one day.


How many degrees is at the international date line?

Most of it is at 180 degrees.


Why is international date line opposite the prime meridian?

The 180th meridian or antimeridian is used as the basis for the International Date Line because it for the most part passes through the open waters of the Pacific Ocean separating the east and west hemispheres.