LATITUDE: CONCEPT, ZONES AND HOW THE CLIMATE VARIES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The latitude is the angular distance between the line of the Ecuador and specific point of the earth; In other words, it is a measure that extends along the meridian having a specific place as a reference point. Consequently, latitude allows us to know the location or location of any area of ​​the globe.

Depending on the hemisphere in which the point or place is located, the latitude can be cataloged in the south or north direction. Likewise, its results are expressed through angular measurements that can range from 0 ° to 90 °.

Latitude and longitude allow locating any geographic point on planet Earth. Source: pixabay.com

This means that the closer the place or point to be calculated is to the equator, the smaller the measurement will be, and the number will increase if its proximity to the north pole or the south pole increases. In other words, the 0 ° correspond to the equator and the 90 ° N or 90 ° S correspond to the north pole or the south pole, respectively.

In turn, the fractions or subdivisions of the degrees can be represented by adding positive or negative values; that is, using the signs "+" or "-". Consequently, the north latitude can also represent you with the “+” sign, while the south latitude can be represented by the “-“ sign.

For example, fourteen degrees north latitude can be represented as: 14 ° N or + 14 °. On the other hand, twenty degrees south latitude is represented as 20 ° S or -20 °.

Concept

The concept of latitude is used frequently in the disciplines of astronomy and geography, since its application allows to identify the distances that separate any point or place located on the surface of the Earth from the equator.

Both latitude and longitude are concepts that are used to establish planetary distances that allow determining the global coordinates of a place. Within the maritime language, latitude is represented by the Greek letter Φ (phi), while longitude is represented by the letter λ (lambda).

One of the uses of latitude is that it allows us to divide the Earth into homogeneous regions or climatic zones; In other words, this concept serves to record how sunlight affects different places on the globe. Consequently, regions with similar latitudes often share a similar climate.

Latitudinal zones

It can be established that the Earth is divided into three latitudinal zones; These are characterized by having certain climates or temperatures that make them different from the others. These areas are the following:

Intertropical or warm zone

Also known as a tropical or torrid zone, it is characterized by its tropical climate, which generates ecosystems full of savannas, jungles and some deserts.

Its location is mainly between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer; consequently, its latitudinal measurements range from 23 ° S to 23 ° N.

Temperate zone

Temperate climates predominate in this area, although other climates such as subpolar and subtropical can also develop. Within these latitudes you can find extensive grasslands, large forests and some deserts.

Polar or cold zone

This zone is constituted mainly by the Antarctic climate and by the Arctic polar; As a result of this, its environment is icy and causes huge ice pools. In this area the tundras also develop, and their latitudinal measurements oscillate between 60 ° and 90 °.

How does the climate vary with latitude?

As established in previous paragraphs, latitude has a great influence on the types of climate that develop on the globe, since it influences the way in which sunlight falls depending on the location.

In other words, the incidence of sunlight, together with the amount of river rainfall, generates certain ecosystems that have adapted to survive in climates that develop in certain latitudes. Consequently, the species of animals and plants will vary according to their geographical location.

For example, the areas closest to the equator tend to be hotter than other parts of the world, since they are the ones that receive sunlight more directly; This is because the Sun radiates its light perpendicular to them.

On the other hand, as the areas move away from the equator they are colder, since the Sun's light falls on them obliquely and not directly.

The way in which latitudes receive light explains why there are some countries with seasons and others not, since the regions near the equator have constant illumination. On the contrary, the climates of the other places will undergo modifications during the year depending on the inclination that the terrestrial axis experiences.

Likewise, the seasons usually last six consecutive months, since that is the time it takes for the Earth to reverse its axis or inclination.

-Ecosystems that develop in latitudinal areas

Below are some of the ecosystems that appear on the planet depending on the latitudinal zones.

Tropical forests

The tropical forests are characterized by receiving abundant precipitations; however, the temperature in these areas remains warm throughout the year. This union between rain and heat makes these places very rich in flora and fauna.

Bed sheets

The ecosystems of the savannas are a bit different from those of the tropical forests, since for a time they receive abundant rainfall but the rest of the year the climate becomes very dry. Despite this, savannas are ideal for the existence of certain types of animals.

Deserts

Deserts are very dry environments that receive almost no rainfall during the course of the year. This causes the flora and fauna that emerge in these places to be very specific and have the ability to adapt to drought. For example, cacti are emblematic plants of these regions.

Taigas and tundras

The taigas are forests where coniferous trees are frequent, which have the ability to withstand very long cold climates. Summers in these areas are not only short, but also very cool.

On the other hand, tundras are ecosystems that only develop in the cold coastal areas of the Arctic. To warm themselves, the specimens of this region use the oceanic winds that reach the coasts. In these areas the winters are very long and cold.

References

1. Buchot, E. (2017) Climatic factors: latitude in climate. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Voyages: voyagesphotosmanu.com
2. Gardiner, L. (2004) The climate according to latitude. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Windows Universe: windows2universe.org
3. Raffino, M. (2019) Latitude. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Concept: concept.de
4. A. (sf) Latitude and longitude. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 FROM Educational Portal: portaleducativo.net
5. A. (sf) Latitude. Retrieved on June 17, 2019 from Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org